Maharashtra: A sitting judge of the Bombay High Court reportedly lost more than ₹6 lakh after falling victim to a fraud while trying to redeem credit card reward points. The incident, which occurred in Mumbai, involved scammers posing as bank representatives who tricked the judge into downloading a malicious file and sharing sensitive details.
The case has now been registered with the Mumbai Police and is being investigated under provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Details of the Bombay High Court Judge Online Credit Card Fraud
According to the complaint filed with Mumbai Police, the incident happened on February 28, 2026 when the judge attempted to redeem reward points accumulated on a credit card.
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The judge initially searched online for the bank’s customer care number but could not connect to the official toll-free number. While searching again on Google, she found another number and contacted it.
The person who answered the call claimed to be a representative of the credit card department of a private bank and offered to help redeem the reward points. However, the number was fraudulent and part of a cybercrime operation.
Bombay High Court Judge Online Credit Card Fraud: How the Cyber Fraud Was Executed
The fraud followed a common but sophisticated cyber scam pattern used by online criminals.
Step-by-step scam process:
- The caller sent an 18 MB file named “credit card.apk” through WhatsApp.
- The file could not be opened on the judge’s iPhone.
- The scammer suggested downloading the file on an Android phone instead.
- The judge inserted her SIM card into her domestic help’s Android phone and downloaded the file.
- She was then asked to enter credit card details in a form to redeem reward points.
Shortly after submitting the information, multiple transactions were made from the credit card account.
Within minutes, ₹6,02,566 was debited through different transactions, revealing that the judge had been defrauded.
Latest Updates on Bombay High Court Judge Online Credit Card Fraud
After realizing that a fraud had occurred, the judge took quick action to limit further damage.
The steps taken included:
- Contacting the bank’s official credit card customer care
- Blocking the credit card immediately
- Calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930
- Filing a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP)
Later, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Cuffe Parade Police Station in South Mumbai.
Legal Sections Invoked in the FIR
The Mumbai Police have registered the case against unknown persons under several legal provisions related to cheating and cybercrime.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 318(4) – Cheating
- Section 319(2) – Cheating by impersonation
Information Technology Act
- Section 66 – Computer-related offences
- Section 66C – Identity theft
- Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources
These provisions deal with unauthorized access to computer systems, misuse of digital identity, and impersonation to commit fraud.
Safety Tips to Avoid Credit Card Reward Point Scams
Authorities and cybersecurity experts recommend following these precautions:
1. Use Only Official Customer Care Numbers
Always visit the official bank website or mobile app to find the correct helpline number.
2. Never Download APK Files from Unknown Sources
Malicious APK files can install malware that steals sensitive information.
3. Do Not Share Card Details
Banks never ask for complete credit card details or OTPs for reward redemption.
4. Avoid Using Unknown Links or Forms
Scammers often send fake forms or apps to capture card details.
5. Immediately Report Suspected Fraud
If you suspect fraud, immediately:
- Block the card
- Call 1930
- Report on cybercrime.gov.in
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