A high-tech fraud case has emerged in Chandigarh, where a 79-year-old retired Air Force officer fell victim to cybercriminals. Posing as CBI and Mumbai Police officers, the fraudsters extorted ₹13 lakh (approximately $157,000 USD) from the victim by threatening arrest. This incident highlights the increasing risk of cyber fraud and serves as a cautionary tale.
How the Retired Air Force Officer Fell Prey
The incident began on January 13th when retired Air Force officer Surinder Kumar received a phone call. The caller identified himself as a telecommunications company employee, claiming his phone number would be deactivated for six hours. When Kumar contacted customer service, he was directed to call another number.
This time, the caller identified himself as a CBI officer, stating that Kumar's name had surfaced in a money laundering case and legal action might be taken against him.
Using 'Artificial Police' to Instill Fear
To strengthen their trap, the fraudsters further contacted the elderly man, posing as Mumbai Police officers. They threatened arrest and demanded an immediate money transfer to avoid legal consequences. Overwhelmed by fear, the elderly man transferred ₹13 lakh to the fraudsters' account. He filed a police complaint on February 21st after becoming suspicious a few days later.
How to Avoid Such High-Tech Frauds: Follow These 5 Steps
1. Verify Identity: If someone identifies themselves as a CBI, police, or other government official, verify their identity by calling the official helpline.
2. Don't Share Confidential Information: Never share bank details, Aadhaar number, OTPs, or any personal information with strangers.
3. No Government Official Will Ask for Money: Remember that government agencies never ask for money over the phone. If they do, it's a scam.
4. Avoid Suspicious Links and Calls: Do not click on links received in messages from unknown numbers or emails. These could be phishing attacks.
5. Report Immediately if Suspicious: Report any suspicious calls or fraudulent activity immediately. You can contact your local police, the cybercrime cell, or the helpline number 1930.
This incident serves as a warning that cybercriminals are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to defraud people. Stay vigilant, remain aware, and take immediate action against any suspicious activity to protect yourself and your loved ones from such scams.
