Seniors in Visakhapatnam targeted in tech-enabled bank frauds

Alone at home while their children live abroad, many seniors in the city are finding themselves vulnerable to financial exploitation, authorities warn. A recent case from Narasimhanagar highlights how trust and technology can be manipulated to drain bank accounts.

An elderly man hired a helper to assist with daily chores, including cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Shortly afterward, he received a message that a significant sum had been withdrawn from his account. The helper disappeared soon after, and police investigations revealed that the withdrawals were carried out using facial recognition technology linked to his bank account.

With children settling in distant cities or overseas, seniors often rely on domestic assistants for routine tasks. Paid up to Rs 15,000 per month, these assistants sometimes gain access to sensitive financial information. Police say some exploit this knowledge, using video calls and technology to gather account details, siphon money, and vanish without a trace.

“Such cases are on the rise. Seniors whose families are abroad are particularly vulnerable because they rely on domestic help for everyday needs and are unable to monitor transactions closely,” said a cybercrime official.

Authorities are urging families to hire only trusted personnel and to maintain strict oversight of financial accounts. Experts also advise educating seniors about digital fraud risks, emphasizing that even familiar helpers should not have unchecked access to sensitive information.