Fallen to Fraud - Whatsapp & Lazypay account

Hello Dimers,

I want to share my recent experience of falling victim to fraud and seek advice on how to proceed. Below, I've outlined the timeline of the incident.

• 14th September, 08:40 PM: I received multiple calls on WhatsApp, claiming that my account was being added to a new device. The automated message said that if this was not done by me, I could press '1' to block the action. I ignored the calls at first, but after receiving 7-8 calls, I thought it might be legitimate. Since I don't use WhatsApp much for regular chats, I figured there was little harm in checking.
• I pressed '1' on the call, and the automated voice instructed me to enter a 6-digit code that I received via SMS. I became suspicious and disconnected, but the calls kept coming. Eventually, I fell into the trap and entered the 6-digit code over the phone. I kept receiving calls and entered the code again.
• After entering the first code, I lost access to my WhatsApp account as it was added to another device. For the second code, the scammer used to transact on LazyPay account (I was unaware of how LazyPay works at the time).
• Shortly after, I received two SMS notifications from LazyPay stating that transactions had been made on Zomato: one for ₹1,900 and another for ₹1,538. That’s when I realized something was wrong. I immediately disabled all my credit cards and tried to recover my WhatsApp account by requesting a new 6-digit code via SMS, which allowed me to regain control of my WhatsApp account.

Yes, it was my mistake to share the OTP over the automated call, but I’m particularly concerned about how a LazyPay account was created in my name without my permission. I did not receive any SMS for account creation, and I’m not sure how a loan could be issued on my mobile number without any KYC verification.

This incident occurred during the Ganesh Visarjan festival, and I was preoccupied, which caused me to overlook the seriousness of the situation.

1. The scammer first removed my WhatsApp account from my device and took control by calling me, pretending to be from WhatsApp support. By pressing '1' and sharing the 6-digit code, I unknowingly allowed them to add my WhatsApp to their device.
2. They then used my WhatsApp number to register for a LazyPay account. Since LazyPay sends OTPs via WhatsApp, the scammer was able to proceed with the registration.
3. While the scammer was making transactions on Zomato through the LazyPay account, I received OTPs (asthis SMS received between SMS received from whatsapp I overlooked and shared the OTP), but since I had no Zomato account linked to that number, I didn’t immediately recognize the problem. When I logged into Zomato, I found no order history.

I’ve already complained to both LazyPay and Zomato. LazyPay responded, suggesting I contact Zomato for a refund, but I have not yet received a response from Zomato.

1. The LazyPay account shows that I need to pay the amounts due by 18th September. If I don't pay, what will happen?
2. How can I further escalate this to get my money back and prevent such fraud in the future?