Cyber Crime
Woman’s Suicide After Digital Arrest Scam Over Fake Parcel Threat
In Madhya Pradesh’s Mauganj, a 35-year-old government guest teacher reportedly died by suicide after being threatened with arrest by cyber fraudsters. The woman consumed poison on Sunday evening and succumbed to it while being taken to Sanjay Medical College in Rewa, police said on Monday.
Superintendent of Police Rasna Thakur revealed that the fraudsters claimed a parcel the woman had sent contained illegal materials. They allegedly placed her under “digital arrest” and pressured her to pay money, warning her of dire consequences if she refused. The woman, panicking under the threat, transferred Rs 22,000 and Rs 5,500 to bank accounts provided by the accused, according to her brother-in-law Vinod Pandey. Despite complying, she was continuously harassed, leading her to take the extreme step.
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“She was manipulated into believing she would face legal action unless she paid up,” SP Thakur said, adding that the cyber team has launched an investigation into the case. The victim’s family rushed her to the hospital after she consumed the poisonous substance, but she died enroute.
This incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud, where unsuspecting individuals are targeted through psychological manipulation and fear tactics. Experts warn against falling prey to such schemes and urge people to verify any claims of illegal activities or threats from unknown sources. A case has been registered, and authorities are working to trace the perpetrators behind this cybercrime.
As cases of “digital arrest” fraud surge, authorities emphasize the importance of awareness to detect and avoid such scams.