In a disturbing turn of events, cyber fraudsters posing as police officers have extorted ₹15 lakh from a woman entrepreneur in Ramanagara. This incident, reported at the Kaggalipura police station, highlights the growing menace of cybercrime, where victims are threatened with fabricated accusations to extract money.
The victim, a businesswoman residing in Uttarahalli hobli in Bangalore South taluk, received a call from the fraudsters claiming that a parcel she had sent had been returned due to illegal contents found at the airport. They instructed her to get in touch with the cyber police regarding the matter.
The scammers then connected her to another number, purportedly the police department, furthering their deception. During the conversation, when the victim expressed anxiety about her Aadhaar card being misused, the fraudsters escalated their threats. They claimed her Aadhaar was linked to anti-national activities, creating a climate of fear and urgency. To add to the authenticity of their claims, the suspects made threatening video and audio calls via Skype, intensifying the victim’s distress.
It was only when the fraudsters demanded additional funds that the entrepreneur realised she had been duped. Recognising the situation, she promptly filed a complaint with the police, leading to an ongoing investigation into the matter.
In a separate incident, a doctor working at Chamundeshwari Medical College and Hospital in Channapatna taluk fell prey to a different group of online fraudsters, losing ₹1.69 lakh. The scammers initiated contact through the messaging platform Telegram, using the alias Nivedana Gowda.
On September 21, they sent a casual “Hi” message to the doctor. After receiving a response, they shared photos of a young woman and suggested meeting up. This led to further exchanges, where the fraudsters requested money transfers, successfully deceiving the victim into sending a significant amount.
Both incidents are currently under investigation, as authorities strive to combat the rising trend of cyber fraud in the region. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited calls and messages, especially those involving threats or financial transactions.
The nature of these scams underscores the need for increased public awareness regarding cyber safety. Authorities are emphasising the importance of verifying the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information or money, particularly when claims are accompanied by intimidation or urgency.
As cyber fraud continues to rise, it is crucial for individuals to educate themselves about potential scams and the tactics used by fraudsters. Both victims in these cases serve as stark reminders of the need for caution in an increasingly digital world. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to track down the perpetrators and develop strategies to protect citizens from such deceitful practices.