Cyber fraud in Andhra Pradesh: Card users lose money without sharing OTPs; 20+ cases in Visakhapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: Cyber fraudsters have stepped up their tactics, with several people losing money from their credit and debit cards even without sharing sensitive details such as OTPs. More than 20 such cases have been reported in Visakhapatnam, where victims noticed unauthorised transactions on their cards without receiving alerts.In one recent case, a 40-year-old defence employee from the city lodged a complaint with the Visakhapatnam cybercrime police after Rs 75,000 was spent using his credit cards. Though he received OTP messages, he said he did not share them with anyone.Another resident, KS Kumar (name changed), received his first credit card in 2025. A few months later, he was shocked to receive a bill of over Rs 1 lakh, despite not having used the card.In another incident, a city resident said he lost more than Rs 1.5 lakh after sharing only his name and mobile number with an online delivery company. In a separate case, a victim lost nearly Rs 2 lakh and became aware of the fraud only after receiving the credit card statement.Like Kumar, over 20 people in Visakhapatnam have collectively lost more than Rs 10 lakh in recent weeks. All victims said they neither shared OTPs nor made any purchases.Inspector K Bhavani Prasad of the Visakhapatnam cybercrime police said such frauds often occur when users unknowingly download APK files. “These files allow fraudsters to receive OTPs along with the cardholder, enabling them to withdraw money without the victim’s knowledge,” he said.Cyber experts said weak security measures, such as the lack of two-step verification and the use of contactless cards, also make users vulnerable. Fraudsters also send fake UPI links to trap victims.With the Sankranti festival approaching, cybercriminals have intensified attacks by offering fake reward point redemptions, cashback offers and credit limit increases. They impersonate bank officials, promise lifetime free credit cards and send fraudulent links to lure victims.Safety tips issued by police: