A man from the Rehra Bazar area of the district has been cheated of ₹9.42 lakh by cyber fraudsters who blackmailed him using false allegations of watching obscene videos. Under fear of arrest and mental pressure, the victim transferred money in multiple instalments to different accounts. After realising he had been duped, he lodged a complaint at the cyber crime police station, following which a case has been registered and an investigation initiated.
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According to the complaint, the victim received a call on January 20 from an unknown person claiming to be an official. The caller alleged that an FIR had been registered against him for viewing obscene content on his mobile phone. He then offered to “settle” the case. Subsequently, the victim received repeated calls and WhatsApp messages from different numbers, escalating the threats.
QR codes used for extortion
The fraudsters sent QR codes via WhatsApp and pressured the victim to transfer money. Between January 20 and January 31, 2026, he transferred a total of ₹9,42,200 to multiple bank accounts. After realising the fraud, he filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal on February 8.
Money borrowed to make payments
Police said the victim had even borrowed money from acquaintances to meet the demands, telling them he would repay after going abroad for work.
Police investigation underway
The cyber crime station has registered a case against unknown accused under provisions of the IT Act and cheating. Investigators are examining bank transactions, call detail records, WhatsApp chats and the beneficiary accounts to trace the culprits.
Police advisory
The Superintendent of Police has urged the public not to trust unknown calls, links or QR codes. Any threatening call should be immediately reported to the cyber helpline 1930 or the nearest police station.
- How to stay safe from such blackmail
- Calls alleging obscene video cases are commonly used in scams
- Police never demand money over phone calls or QR codes
- Do not transfer money under panic
- Preserve call records and chats and report immediately
Police said the accused will be identified through the digital trail and strict action will follow.
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.
