A youth from Rayagada district lost Rs 56,346 in a cyber fraud case when miscreants siphoned money from his Axis Bank account through six UPI transactions.
The victim, identified as Ghasiram Naik from Kalahandi district, discovered the unauthorised transfers on November 16 while staying in his village.
According to his statement, fraudsters withdrew five amounts of Rs 10,000 each and one amount of Rs 5,346. Bank records revealed that three transactions of Rs 10,000 went to the account of Adesh Kumar Yadav, while two transactions of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,346 went to the account of Anant Kumar.
Ghasiram immediately lodged a written complaint with Axis Bank in Rayagada and also approached the district Cyber Cell. Police confirmed that they are investigating the case and tracking the accounts involved.
Authorities noted that cyber fraud cases in Rayagada continue to rise despite repeated awareness campaigns. The incident highlights growing concerns about digital safety and the misuse of UPI technology.
In another case, fraudsters created a fake Facebook account in the name of the Rayagada District Collector. They sent friend requests to locals, collected mobile numbers, and later contacted them via WhatsApp. Posing as a CRPF officer, they attempted to trick people by claiming to sell household items due to a transfer.
The District Collector alerted the Superintendent of Police after receiving information about the fake account. Cyber Police and local police launched investigations into both incidents. Officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
