In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a transporter in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district was duped of nearly ₹20 lakh by a fraudster posing as a judge of the Patna High Court. The sophisticated nature of the scam has raised serious concerns, as the accused managed to deceive not just a businessman but also leveraged official channels to establish credibility.
According to details, the fraud was executed in a planned and strategic manner. The accused first contacted a transport department official, introducing himself as a senior judicial authority. By invoking a high-ranking position, he successfully gained the official’s trust and obtained the contact number of a reliable transporter.
How the Judge‑Impersonation Trap Was Set
The incident reportedly began on April 24, 2026, when the transport official received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming to be a judge of the Patna High Court. The caller requested the contact details of a trustworthy transporter in Muzaffarpur for an “urgent official matter.” Believing the claim, the official shared the mobile number of transporter Uday Shankar Prasad Singh.
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Subsequently, the fraudster directly contacted the transporter and initiated a conversation under the pretext of urgent work. Presenting himself as a judge, he created a sense of authority and urgency, claiming that he needed immediate financial assistance for an important matter. He assured the victim that the money would be returned shortly.
Gradually, the transporter fell into the trap. Under sustained communication and psychological pressure, the victim was convinced that he was assisting in an official and urgent assignment. Over multiple transactions carried out through different channels, the transporter transferred a total amount of ₹20 lakh to the fraudster.
From Silence to Suspicion and Police Action
The deception came to light when the victim attempted to contact the caller after making the payments, only to find the phone switched off. Repeated attempts to reach the individual failed, raising suspicion and eventually confirming that he had been defrauded.
Following this, the transporter informed the concerned transport official about the incident. Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, a formal complaint was filed, prompting the police to initiate an investigation. Cyber teams are currently analyzing call records, bank transactions, and digital trails to trace the accused.
Experts believe that the case highlights the evolving tactics of cyber criminals, who are increasingly targeting not only individuals but also professionals and officials by exploiting trust and authority. Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted that such scams are classic examples of social engineering, where criminals manipulate victims psychologically to extract money.
He explained that invoking high-profile designations and creating urgency are common tactics used to pressure victims into making quick decisions without verification. He emphasized that verifying identity before any financial transaction is critical in preventing such frauds.
Cyber‑Security Warnings and Ongoing Probe
The incident has once again brought cyber security concerns into sharp focus. Experts advise the public to remain cautious and avoid trusting unknown callers, regardless of the authority they claim. Verification through official channels is essential before engaging in any financial dealings.
At present, the police are actively investigating the case and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved. Authorities have indicated that the entire network behind the fraud may soon be exposed.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how cyber criminals are constantly evolving their methods. Increased awareness, vigilance, and basic digital caution remain the most effective defenses against such sophisticated fraud schemes.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
