Mumbai: Veteran actor Annu Kapoor became the latest target of cyber fraudsters after one of them convinced him to share his bank details on the pretext of calling for a KYC update. But Kapoor immediately approached the police who were able to get through to multiple banks and freeze over 70% of the amount transferred. In a post on Instagram, Kapoor thanked the police team for acting swiftly.

On September 29, the actor was preparing to head for a shoot when he got a call. The caller introduced himself as Krishnakumar Reddy and said he was calling from the head office of a private bank. Kapoor asked him to speak to his accountant, but Reddy insisted that he would have to speak to the account holder only as it concerned his KYC process.

When the actor inquired what he needed, Reddy said that his KYC was pending and unless the procedure was completed, the same day his bank account would be deactivated. “He rushed the 66-year-old actor and wouldn’t give in to his requests to speak to his accountant,” said an officer from Oshiwara police station. Kapoor shared his bank account number and one-time password. Reddy assured him that his KYC process was now complete.

About 10 minutes later, the actor received a call from his bank and was told that his account had been compromised. The fraudster had changed the phone number associated with the account. While the actor spoke to customer care, Rs 4.36 lakh was transferred out of his account in two instalments before account access could be blocked.

“Kapoor approached us shortly afterwards and we spoke to his bank. We found out that the money was transferred to accounts with two nationalized banks,” said sub-inspector Digambar Kurkute.

The police got through to these two banks and got them to freeze Rs 3. 08 lakh. The amount would subsequently be transferred back to the actor.

“At least one account where the money was transferred is being operated from Darbhanga, Bihar,” said another officer.

Kapoor said he would advise people to never share OTPs or any details with unknown persons. “Cross-check their credentials and report such callers to the cyber cell,” he said.