An elderly couple from Srinagar has fallen victim to a cyber fraud and lost Rs 48.00 lakh to scammers posing as officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The fraudsters contacted the couple through a WhatsApp video call, falsely claiming that they were under investigation for a major financial fraud. The callers sent fake orders in the name of CBI and TRAI and threatened to freeze the couple’s bank accounts and seize their property.
The scammers kept the couple under continuous video surveillance for several days, even while they were inside their home, and did not allow them to step out without permission. Due to extreme psychological pressure and fear, the couple transferred a total amount of Rs 48 lakh to the fraudsters.
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The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence, Crime Branch, J&K has once again clarified that there is no such thing as “digital arrest.” Any person receiving such calls should immediately identify them as fraud and report the matter on cyber crime helpline number 1930 or at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
It has been observed that fraudsters mainly target senior citizens, especially those whose children live outside due to jobs or business. The public is once again advised to remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and not fall prey to such cyber scams.
