In short
A fraudster analyzes residual heat left by recent finger presses on a keypad The objective is typically to infer a PIN/password that can support later account or card fraud.
What it is
The attacker uses the physical traces after the victim enters a PIN/password. The victim is then pushed to no direct victim action beyond using the keypad; the attacker observes/scans it soon afterward.
How it starts
A fraudster analyzes residual heat left by recent finger presses on a keypad.
What they tell you
The attacker uses the physical traces after the victim enters a PIN/password
What they want you to do
No direct victim action beyond using the keypad; the attacker observes/scans it soon afterward
How you lose money
infer a PIN/password that can support later account or card fraud
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
covert observation | thermal imaging | PIN inference
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Use only the bank/payment app or official contact details; never share OTP, PIN, password or screen access; verify the payee and transaction purpose before approving.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.