Mumbai, Dec 19: The Oshiwara Cyber Cell has successfully recovered ₹98,000 lost by veteran actor Gajendra Chauhan in a sophisticated online fraud involving a deceptive D-Mart advertisement on Facebook. The swift action by the cyber police prevented further financial loss to the actor.

According to police reports, the 69-year-old actor, a resident of Lokhandwala-Oshiwara in Andheri West and known for his roles in television and film, fell victim to the scam on December 10. While browsing Facebook, Chauhan encountered an advertisement promoting discounted dry fruits under the guise of D-Mart. Tempted by the offer, he clicked on the provided link, which led him to a fraudulent webpage.

Upon clicking the link, Chauhan received a One-Time Password (OTP) on his mobile phone, which he promptly entered on the webpage. Shortly after, he received a notification that ₹98,000 had been debited from his HDFC Bank account. Realizing he had been scammed, Chauhan immediately filed a complaint at the Oshiwara Police Station.

Under the supervision of DCP Dikshit Gedam and Senior Inspector Sanjay Chavan, a dedicated cyber cell team, including Sub-Inspector Sharad Devre, launched an immediate investigation. The team meticulously reviewed Chauhan's bank statement, tracing the transaction details. They promptly contacted nodal officers at HDFC Bank, the payment gateway Razorpay, and Croma, where the funds had been transferred.

The cyber cell's swift coordination with these financial institutions and the electronic store was crucial in putting the transaction on hold. Within ten days, the entire amount of ₹98,000 was successfully refunded to Chauhan's account. Police sources highlighted the importance of reporting cyber fraud incidents promptly to maximize the chances of recovering lost funds.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing prevalence of online scams and the importance of exercising caution while engaging with online advertisements, especially those offering unusually high discounts. Authorities advise individuals to verify the legitimacy of websites and offers before sharing any personal or financial information. The successful recovery of Chauhan's money underscores the effectiveness of the Oshiwara Cyber Cell and their commitment to combating cybercrime.