Ahmedabad: Cyber fraudsters rolled out a new credit card scam that left unsuspecting victims saddled with debt even before they received their cards. Police and cybercrime officials said the fraud marked a worrying shift from stealing money from existing accounts to creating fresh liabilities in the victim’s name — quietly, swiftly and devastatingly.In this emerging modus operandi, fraudsters first approached targets through social media advertisements, pop-ups or unsolicited calls, offering “lifetime free” credit cards or assistance with pending applications. Victims were nudged into sharing basic details such as date of birth or identity numbers, often believing the process was incomplete or stuck due to “server issues”.Once trust was established, the scam took a darker turn. Victims were persuaded to download files or apps under the pretext of verification or faster processing. Investigators said these files often gave fraudsters remote access to the phone, allowing them to intercept messages, read one-time passwords and monitor activity in real time.“The credit card is issued in the victim’s name, but control lies entirely with the fraudster,” said a Cybercrime police official. “Within hours, the credit limit is exhausted through online shopping, instant cash withdrawals and short-term loans linked to the card.”What made the scam particularly lethal was its timing. By the time the physical credit card or the first statement reached the victim’s address, the account was already maxed out. Victims then discovered not only large transactions they never made, but also loans they never applied for — all legally tied to their identity.Officials said many victims hesitated to act immediately, either due to confusion or fear of legal trouble. “Delays in reporting give fraudsters enough time to move money across platforms and vanish,” the official added.Cybercrime units noted that the victims often came from working-class or semi-urban backgrounds, with limited exposure to digital banking risks. Many were targeted late at night or during work hours, when attention was divided and verification instincts were low.Police said the fraud thrived on gaps in awareness rather than technical sophistication. “The scam works because people believe they are fixing a problem or completing a process they already started,” said a police officer. “Once communication shifts from official-looking ads to personal calls and messaging apps, the trap is set.” Police officers said that citizens should never download unknown files, share card details, or keep calls active during so-called verification processes.
