In a troubling case of deception, a resident of Hyderabad was swindled out of Rs 1.2 crore over a span of 20 days by scammers who pretended to be police officers. The victim’s ordeal began on May 7 when he received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an officer, informing him that a parcel in his name containing drugs had been seized.
The scammer, posing as a police officer, instructed the victim to provide all his personal details without error and demanded that he remain online around the clock. According to the victim, From that day onwards, I could not sleep, eat, or think properly for 20 days.
Believing the call to be legitimate due to the precise shipment and delivery details the caller provided, the victim was convinced he was in serious legal jeopardy. The supposed officer warned him of severe legal consequences if he did not cooperate, causing the victim to isolate himself at home for the next 20 days.
The cybercriminals demanded the victim remain online constantly to avoid arrest. Initially, I was told to send Rs 30 lakh. Demands continued to pour in every day. By the end of 20 days, I had paid them Rs 1.2 crore from savings accounts and credit cards, the victim further told Deccan Chronicle.
For nearly three weeks, the victim could not leave his house or part from his phone, even while sleeping or using the bathroom. The fear and stress of imminent arrest led to extreme isolation from the outside world. The victim recounted, My wife, kids, and I were all mentally devastated. My neighbours were not allowed to see us as per their instructions. We were confined to our home. The pressure was so intense that the victim even contemplated suicide, but his wife’s support helped him resist those thoughts.
This type of fraud, known as the digital arrest scam or parcel scam, involves criminals pretending to be law enforcement officers. They use fear and intimidation to convince victims that they are involved in serious crimes, often related to suspicious parcels. The scammers maintain constant contact to prevent the victim from seeking outside help or verification, heightening the pressure to comply and make payments to avoid supposed legal consequences.
Verifying the caller’s identity, refraining from sharing personal information, being skeptical of urgent requests, and reporting suspicious activity are essential steps to stay safe from such scams. This unfortunate incident emphasizes the importance of awareness and caution in dealing with unknown callers demanding sensitive details or payments. By staying informed and vigilant, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to deceitful schemes.
