‘Tele-callers’ cheat two senior citizens in Madurai

The victim Perumal from Tiruchendur, was contacted by a woman claiming to be the Manager of the Bank in which he holds an account and had informed him that his ATM card had been locked. 

She also asked the details of the card and trusting the caller Perumal revealed the details. Within few minutes of the call he received a message that Rs 45,000 was withdrawn from the account in the bank. Shocked, Perumal immediately contacted the bank but was informed that no one had contacted him and no official would obtain the details of the ATM card. 

Only then he realised that he was cheated and then launched a complaint with Police. Thoothukudi SP Ashwin Kotnis forwarded the complaint to Crime Branch and when the financial transactions were traced it was found that the amount was withdrawn from various places in North Indian states. The SP claimed that people should not give details of the ATM card to unknown persons and also should not give ATM cards to others to withdraw money. 

Another elderly person was robbed by phone scammers. Periyasamy from Vallalapatty near Melur in Madurai district, was contacted over phone and was informed that as he had been using the same mobile number for 10 years. As he was a loyal customer a costly mobile worth Rs 18,000 would be given for free if he pays the processing charge of Rs 3,000 the caller said. 

Periyasamy too believed the words of the caller and deposited the amount of Rs 3,000. When the parcel was sent it contained plastic items worth Rs 10. Realising that he was cheated he launched a complaint at Melavalavu Police Station. A case was booked and Police are tracing the mobile phones through which the scammers had contacted Periyasamy.