Retired Microbiologist loses Rs 2.2 lakh to online fraudster on pretext of electricity bill payment

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, a renowned retired microbiology professor at BY Nair Hospital recently became the victim of a cyber fraud case after she was duped of Rs 2.24 lakh on the pretext of updating her electricity bill payment status.

Dr Jayanthi Shashtri who has now retired from her existing positions was shocked to discover her money being deducted from the bank. 

According to HT reports, she provided her credit card details after she received a link suggesting filling in the information required to update her electricity bill payment status. After filling out the form, a total of six transactions took place deducting Rs 24,999 in the first three and Rs 49,801 in the last three transactions.

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It can be challenging to believe that such a prominent figure in the medical field fell into the trap of a fraudster. Therefore, it is evident that anyone can be a victim of any cyber scamming case. For this, the police personnel always advise being aware of the incidents and staying alert. 

She is the former director of the molecular diagnostics lab at Kasturba Hospital. Meanwhile, she and her team had been on the frontline fighting the disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past 37 years, Shastri has helped authorities and people with early warnings or quicker diagnosis of various infectious diseases, from leptospirosis and dengue to HIV and H1N1. With an MBBS degree from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Sevagram, she pursued an MD in clinical microbiology from Sion Hospital, Mumbai.

Later, Dr Shasthri informed the police about the matter and an FIR was registered under section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code and 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation using computer resources) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Investigation into the case is on and soon the accused will be nabbed.

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