A shocking scam unfolded at Bengaluru Airport when a woman attempting to use a lounge service before her flight fell victim to fraud. The woman, who did not have her physical credit card, presented a photo of the card to gain access to the lounge. However, the staff instructed her to download an app named “Lounge Pass” and complete a facial scan for security verification. This app, unbeknownst to her, was a fraudulent tool designed to access her personal information.
The woman proceeded with the instructions and then left the lounge without using its services, opting for a quick coffee at Starbucks instead. Later, she noticed she was unable to receive phone calls, attributing it initially to poor network connectivity. The reality, however, was far more concerning—her calls were being intercepted by scammers who had hijacked her phone’s SIM functionality.
It wasn’t until she realized strangers were answering her calls that she became alarmed. Upon checking her bank account, she discovered unauthorized transactions amounting to over ₹87,000, which had been transferred to a PhonePay account. It is believed that the scammers used the fraudulent app to hijack her phone’s network, intercept her OTPs, and make these unauthorized transactions.
This case is a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of scams targeting travelers at airports. Scammers are exploiting common security features, like facial recognition and apps, to access sensitive information. Such scams, while rare, highlight the importance of vigilance when sharing personal data and installing unfamiliar apps. Airports, which are often high-traffic areas, present ideal environments for such frauds, as passengers tend to be more focused on their travel plans than on potential threats.
In response to this incident, cybersecurity experts have urged the public to exercise caution when downloading apps or sharing personal information in unfamiliar environments. It’s advisable to rely on official, well-known apps for services like lounge access and avoid sharing sensitive details unless absolutely certain of the service’s legitimacy. Additionally, monitoring your bank accounts for suspicious activity and setting up stronger security measures such as multi-factor authentication can help safeguard against fraud.
Authorities are investigating the matter, and there are calls for increased digital security awareness, especially at major transportation hubs like airports, where travelers can become easy targets for tech-savvy criminals. Travelers are encouraged to double-check the authenticity of apps and services and report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
Comments 2