In a recent incident, a resident of Visakhapatnam lost ₹3.75 crore to online fraudsters, according to a cybercrime official. The city police have issued a warning about fake calls from unidentified cybercriminals posing as courier agents, TRAI officials, and bank staff, among others. This year alone, the cybercrime unit has reported around 100 cases with victims losing over ₹20 crore.
The fraudsters employ various tactics, such as posing as credit card company representatives, claiming dues on cards, and then redirecting calls to accomplices who further intimidate victims by alleging misuse of their data for illegal transactions. In another scam, fraudsters pretending to be from the Army contact medical labs, arranging for fake medical tests and then demanding money. Similarly, individuals posing as TRAI representatives claim that unauthorized phone numbers linked to Aadhaar are being used for terrorist activities to extort money.
The city has also seen a surge in courier scams, where fraudsters masquerade as law enforcement officials and claim that unauthorized items like fake passports or narcotics have been booked under the victim’s name. They then demand money to be transferred to fake RBI accounts.
Inspector Bhavani Prasad noted that while the notorious FedEx scams have become less effective due to increased public awareness, fraudsters are continuously devising new schemes to exploit and terrorize victims by suggesting terror links or illegal activities associated with their personal information.
“People can approach us if they receive any suspicious phone calls. Do not believe fraud calls and send money to anyone,” advised the Inspector, urging the public to stay vigilant against such scams.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/visakhapatnam-police-issue-caution-advisory-against-cyber-fraudsters/article68384891.ece
Category : Visakhapatnam
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