In a shocking incident from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, a family lost Rs. 5 lakh from their bank accounts due to their children’s addiction to online gaming. Chandrashekhar Singh, a resident of Khadda Nagar, went to withdraw money from his account, only to discover that most of the money had vanished. What followed was a surprising revelation that left the parents in disbelief.
A Shocking Discovery at the Bank
Chandrashekhar Singh, along with his wife, had saved Rs. 5 lakh, hoping to use it for a family car. However, when he visited the bank to withdraw the money, he was informed that his account was almost empty. Puzzled and worried, he checked his wife’s account as well, only to find Rs. 1.5 lakh missing. It was a devastating blow to the family, as they could not understand how such a large sum had disappeared.
Children’s Online Gaming Addiction Leads to Huge Losses
Upon returning home, Chandrashekhar questioned his two sons, Aditya (class 7) and Ansh (class 8), about the missing money. Initially, the boys tried to deflect suspicion by claiming that a hacker had stolen the money. However, after consulting with an income tax lawyer, the truth came to light — the children had been spending the money on online betting games like Winzo and Jupi. Their addiction to these games led them to deplete their parents’ hard-earned savings.
The Growing Danger of Online Games
This incident is a cautionary tale for parents. Many children, unaware of the real consequences, spend large amounts of money on gaming apps without realizing the financial damage they are causing. Online games that involve betting or in-app purchases can easily become traps for children who have access to their parents’ bank details. In this case, the children spent Rs. 5 lakh, unknowingly putting their family in a financial crisis.
Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Finances
If your child plays online games, it is crucial to monitor their activities and ensure they do not have access to your bank accounts or card details. Many mobile apps, including games, allow for one-click payments, which makes it easy for children to make purchases without realizing the impact.
Here are some steps parents can take:
- Monitor Online Activity: Keep an eye on the apps your child is using and set limits on screen time.
- Secure Your Bank Information: Make sure your bank and card details are secured with strong passwords, and avoid linking them to devices that children can access.
- Educate Your Children: Talk to your children about the consequences of online spending and the dangers of betting games.
- Set Parental Controls: Use parental controls on mobile devices to restrict in-app purchases.
This heartbreaking incident in Kushinagar serves as a reminder to all parents to stay vigilant and take steps to protect their finances from the rising dangers of online gaming.
