Bhubaneswar: An employee of an LPG distribution company in Bhubaneswar lost nearly Rs 3 lakh to cyber fraudsters after downloading a fake cylinder‑booking app amid the recent cooking gas crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict.Though the fraud took place in May, it came to light on Monday when the victim, Rajesh Kumar Bose (40), visited the city’s cyber police station to check the progress of the probe. “I was duped of Rs 2.91 lakh on May 18. The very next day, I lodged a complaint with the cyber police. They assured me they would try to retrieve my money,” said Bose, a resident of Palasuni.Bose, a clerk with an LPG distributor, said he was struggling to book a cylinder during the shortage when he stumbled upon a link on social media promising instant booking. “I clicked on the link and downloaded the app and my phone was hacked for nearly an hour. I had no idea of the danger. Within minutes, fraudsters siphoned money from three of my bank accounts linked to my mobile number,” he recounted.Cyber police said they were tracking the digital trail of the fraud. “Preliminary findings revealed the siphoned money was routed through multiple accounts before being withdrawn from an ATM in Assam. Our investigation is in progress,” a cyber police official said.Officials recalled that in March, the crime branch had issued an advisory warning citizens to stay alert against cyber criminals exploiting fears of LPG shortages during the West Asia conflict.“Fraudsters circulated suspicious links and posed as gas agency representatives to trick people into sharing sensitive information. Rumours of scarcity were weaponised to bait unsuspecting users,” the senior officer said.Police said that once victims click on malicious links or download compromised files, their personal and banking details are at risk. Police officials urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid unverified apps or links during crises.
