Cyber Crime
Cybercriminals Impersonate Officials, Steal Rs 82 Lakh from Pune Executive In National Security Scare
Senior Pune engineer scammed out of Rs 82 lakh by impostors claiming national security breach. Investigation launched by cyber crime cell.
A senior employee at a multinational engineering company headquartered in Pune was swindled out of Rs 82 lakh by scammers posing as law enforcement and judiciary officials. Over the course of a week, the perpetrators convinced the victim that he was implicated in a national security threat, leading to a series of manipulated transactions under the guise of adhering to Supreme Court directives.
A Telephone Trap Unfolds
The deceit began with a phone call from someone claiming to represent a telecom provider, who informed the project planning head that a mobile number registered in his name was linked to criminal activities. This was quickly followed by another call, this time from an individual alleging to be a police officer from Govandi police station, Mumbai, who underscored the gravity of the situation by labeling it a national security concern. The victim was led to believe that his bank account had been used for money laundering, and that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name.
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From Threats to Transactions: A High-Stakes Deception
In a twist that further ensnared the victim, the scammers presented a forged letter supposedly from the Supreme Court, stating that to avoid prosecution under the National Security Act and imminent arrest, the victim must transfer his entire savings to accounts claimed to be under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Believing these threats, the man made 10 transactions, varying between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 12 lakh, totaling Rs 82.3 lakh.
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Promises Unfulfilled: The Aftermath of Fraud
The fraudsters assured the victim that his funds would be returned following the conclusion of an investigation, a promise that was never kept. The realization of the scam dawned upon the victim after consulting with his son and subsequent verification from Central Bureau of Investigation officials. A complaint was then filed with the Pune police’s cyber crime cell, prompting an investigation into the matter.
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An Alarming Trend of Cyber Exploitation
This incident mirrors the tactics used in the “drugs in parcel” scam, where victims are coerced into paying money to avoid legal troubles over falsely accused drug trafficking. Pune police have highlighted the similarity in the modus operandi, pointing out the psychological manipulation involved in both scenarios. The case underlines the persistent threat posed by online fraudsters who exploit individuals’ fears and vulnerabilities. As investigations continue, authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and adhere to cyber safety protocols to avoid falling victim to such deceitful schemes.