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A tragic cyber fraud incident from Gwalior has raised alarm bells once again. A woman, lured by an attractive online deal to buy a dog through a WhatsApp group, became the victim of an OTP scam. After unknowingly sharing her OTP with fraudsters, ₹1.70 lakh was wiped out from her bank account. Devastated by the loss, she consumed poison and later passed away during treatment.

What Happened?

According to a report by News18 Hindi, the deceased, Reena Prajapati, was a resident of Moti Jheel area in Gwalior. She had joined a WhatsApp group named ‘Pet House’, where she came across an offer to buy a dog for just ₹5,000. Tempted by the low price, she engaged in conversation with the seller. During the discussion, the fraudsters asked for an OTP, claiming it was part of the payment process. Reena, trusting them, shared the OTP.

Shortly after, she realized that ₹1.70 lakh had been withdrawn from her bank account. Shaken and overwhelmed by the financial loss, she consumed poison on June 10. Her family rushed her to the hospital, but she succumbed during treatment.

Police Investigation Underway

Her husband, Rajendra Prajapati, reported the matter to the police, who have confirmed it as a case of cyber fraud. The police are currently analyzing her phone records and bank transactions, and a cyber investigation has been initiated to trace the scammers.

How to Stay Safe from OTP and Online Fraud

In light of this tragic incident, police have issued a strong public advisory to prevent similar scams:

❌ Never Share Your OTP

• OTP (One-Time Password) is strictly personal.

• Do not share it with anyone over calls, messages, or social media—even if the person claims to be from a bank, police, or a government agency.

🚫 Avoid Unknown Calls or Messages

• Fraudsters often create panic or offer deals to trick you into sharing sensitive information.

• Hang up immediately and block such numbers.

🔗 Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

• Avoid clicking on links received through SMS or WhatsApp claiming lucrative offers.

• These could be phishing traps that install malware or steal data from your phone.

💸 Verify UPI ID and Payment Details Carefully

• While making payments, double-check the UPI ID or phone number.

• Never scan unknown QR codes or send payments without confirmation.

🛡️ Enable Two-Factor Authentication

• Activate 2FA on your banking apps, email accounts, and social media for added security.

• This provides an extra layer of protection even if your password or OTP is compromised.

Report Cyber Crime Immediately

If you suspect fraud or cybercrime:

• Call the helpline: 1930

• Or file a complaint at https://cybercrime.gov.in

Final Word

Reena’s tragic demise is a grim reminder of how cyber frauds are not just financial threats but can lead to emotional trauma and loss of life. Stay alert, never share confidential data like OTPs, and educate others about such scams. Even one careless click or message could cost you dearly.