Scamsters Pretending to be Officials Siphon Rs 2.85 Cr from Thiruvananthapuram Residents
In a shocking incident, scamsters in Thiruvananthapuram have managed to siphon off a whopping amount of Rs 2.85 crore from two residents of the city. These cyber criminals posed as central agency investigators, presenting forged documents related to the CBI and Customs to deceive their victims.
A 70-year-old Chartered Accountant became the primary target, losing an astronomical sum of Rs 2.25 crore. Another victim, a trader, who is currently receiving medical treatment in Taliparamba, was swindled out of Rs 60 lakh by these unidentified fraudsters. Both individuals promptly reported the incidents to the cyber police, who quickly took action to freeze one of the bank accounts holding Rs 25 lakh.
The ordeal began when the victims received calls from individuals claiming to be from Mumbai Customs. They were informed that a package sent abroad using their Aadhar cards and other documents had been seized. The callers went on to allege that the parcels contained counterfeit passports and 75 grams of MDMA, a banned substance. Shockingly, the victims were asked to appear at the Mumbai Customs Office in person as soon as possible.
To make matters worse, the fraudulent callers converted the conversation into a video call through the Skype app, introducing themselves as Mumbai Crime Branch officials. They even provided the victims with what appeared to be genuine credentials and copies of FIRs. The victims were then coerced into proving their innocence by sharing personal details, including their bank account information.
Trusting the supposed officials, the victims felt compelled to transfer 75% of their bank account balances to government accounts to avoid facing charges. The scammers provided six bank account numbers and the victims, unaware of the unfolding deception, transferred the funds as instructed. They received fake documents from a person posing as a Finance Department official, confirming the transactions.
Subsequently, another person, claiming to be from the Finance Department, demanded that the remaining money be sent. Falling prey to the elaborate ruse, the Chartered Accountant transferred an additional Rs 2.25 crore. However, when the scammers persistently requested more money, the victim grew suspicious and contacted the cyber police to report the fraud.
During the subsequent investigation, it was discovered that the funds transferred to the six initial bank accounts were immediately moved to 36 other accounts. By then, nearly Rs 2 crore had already been withdrawn.
The trader who was targeted experienced a similar modus operandi. The fraudsters convinced him that he was facing a case under the Indian Secret Act, providing him with an arrest warrant in the name of the CBI. Over the course of four days, they managed to extract Rs 60 lakh from him.
The cyber police, led by Thiruvananthapuram DCP P Nithin Raj, are actively investigating both cases in hopes of bringing the criminals to justice.
In the face of rising cyber fraud incidents, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If you suspect you have fallen victim to such fraudulent activities, immediately dial ‘1930’, the operating wing of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Central Home Department. These round-the-clock control rooms have been established in every state to address cybercrime concerns. By contacting this number, authorities can freeze compromised bank accounts, preventing further losses.
The cyber police and other law enforcement agencies are working diligently to combat these scams, but it is essential for individuals to stay informed and cautious. Remember, official agencies will never ask for personal information or demand large monetary transfers over the phone. Stay safe and protect yourself from falling for such schemes.
In conclusion, the ordeal faced by the Thiruvananthapuram residents serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity awareness. By promptly reporting any suspicions and cooperating with law enforcement agencies, we can collectively combat cyber fraud and protect our hard-earned money. Stay informed, stay cautious, and together, we can create a safer digital environment.
