Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence, Crime Branch J&K Advises People Not To Prey To Such Fraudsters
Srinagar, January 17: An elderly couple from Srinagar has lost an amount of Rs 48.00 lacs to cyber fraudsters. The couple has been approached by the fraudsters through WhatsApp video call informing them that the callers belong to CBI and are investigating the couple for their alleged involvement in a big financial fraud.
In a handout to news agency the Crime Branch J&K said that The fraudsters also projected themselves as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).The callers falsely accused them of being involved in a financial fraud case that was allegedly being investigated by the CBI. The scammers sent them fake orders of CBI and TRAI. They threatened to freeze their bank accounts and seize their property.
The fraudsters forced the couple to continuously stay under video surveillance for few days, even while using the washroom. They were forbidden from leaving their house without permission. Living under immense psychological pressure, the couple ended up transferring Rs 48 lakh.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence (CCICE), Crime Branch J&K, has once again cautioned the public that there is no such thing as a “digital arrest.” People encountering such calls or messages should immediately identify them as fraudulent and avoid falling prey to the scammers’ tactics.
The agency has advised victims to promptly report such incidents on the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.
It has been observed that fraudsters often target senior citizens, particularly those whose children live away due to jobs or business commitments. The Crime Branch has urged people to remain vigilant, stay informed, and not fall victim to such cyber frauds, the statement said.