Scammers Used Links, OTP Traps, Task-Based Fraud and “Digital Arrest”; 1,456 Cybercrime Complaints Filed This Year
Rae Bareli – The rapid penetration of digital services has undoubtedly made everyday life more convenient, but it has also opened new doors for cybercriminals. Rae Bareli district has recorded a sharp rise in cyber-related offences this year, with 1,456 complaints lodged so far and fraudsters siphoning off a staggering ₹6.86 crore from citizens’ bank accounts.
Police say they have managed to recover ₹28.26 lakh, while ₹1.68 crore has been successfully frozen across different accounts during the investigation.
The numbers highlight an urgent need for stronger digital awareness and preventive vigilance among the public.
Digital Convenience, Digital Risk: Phone Calls, Links and Greed Fuel Cyber Fraud
Farmers, labourers, small traders and salaried employees — people who save their hard-earned money over long periods — have increasingly become easy targets for cybercriminals. A single lapse, police warn, is enough to wipe out years of savings in minutes.
According to the district cyber cell, out of the 1,456 complaints received, only 88 cases could be formally registered as FIRs, while the rest are under investigation. Police teams are tracking fund trails, freezing suspicious accounts and coordinating with financial institutions.
How the Fraudsters Operate: Four Major Modules Driving Cybercrime in the District
Investigations into the Rae Bareli cases show that cybercriminals rely on four dominant methods:
1. Loan & OTP Fraud
Fraudsters pose as bank officials and send messages claiming that a loan has been approved. Victims are asked to click a link for verification.
Once the link is opened, access to the victim’s device is compromised. Criminals then threaten to misuse personal data, edited videos or loan-recovery claims to extort money.
2. Task-Based & Investment Scam
Scammers create Telegram and WhatsApp groups offering tasks that promise quick earnings.
Initially, victims are shown fake screenshots of small “profits” to gain trust.
They are then persuaded to invest larger amounts for bigger returns — after which the scammers disappear.
3. Mule Account Trap
Individuals are lured with the promise of “easy income” without work. After obtaining their bank details, their accounts are used for routing illegal funds.
The account holder often becomes liable for legal consequences despite not committing the fraud themselves.
4. Digital Arrest: The Emerging Threat
A rising modus operandi involves impersonating police or government officials.
Victims are told:
“A parcel booked in your name contains illegal items,”
“Your identity is linked to a crime,” or
“You must pay immediately to avoid arrest.”
Fear pushes victims into making large online payments.
Scammers Operating Beyond State Borders
Police investigations indicate that many calls originate from other states, and several cases carry links to international cyber networks.
Fraudsters use virtual call numbers, fake apps and data purchased from the dark web to target people.
Many victims only realise the fraud when they receive late-night SMS alerts showing that lakhs have been withdrawn from their accounts.
What the Police Say
Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Sinha said:
“Fraudsters lure, intimidate or deceive people through social media, suspicious links and fake calls. Anyone receiving such messages must immediately report the matter to 1930, the national cyber helpline. Several victims have already recovered their money, and investigations in other cases are underway.”
Awareness Is the Only Shield
Cyber experts emphasise that preventive awareness is the strongest defence. Citizens must follow basic precautions:
- Banks never ask for OTPs.
- Avoid clicking unknown links even if they appear urgent.
- Do not invest money through unverified groups or platforms.
- Report threatening or suspicious calls immediately to police or the cyber helpline.
With cybercrime escalating rapidly in Rae Bareli, the message is clear: in the digital age, vigilance and awareness are the strongest armour to protect one’s hard-earned savings.
