A sharp rise in cyber fraud cases has been reported in the state capital, highlighting how online criminals are continuously adopting new methods to target unsuspecting individuals. In three separate incidents, fraudsters collectively cheated victims of nearly ₹8 lakh (eight lakh rupees) using loan app traps, phishing calls, and fake insurance schemes. Police have registered cases and launched investigations, while also urging citizens to remain alert against such increasingly sophisticated scams.
The most serious case involves Vishal Gupta, a private sector employee from Tikrapara. According to initial findings, he had applied for a small online loan of ₹10,000 on March 10. However, fraudsters falsely informed him that a loan of ₹40,000 had been approved. Using this pretext, they gained unauthorized access to his mobile phone.
Investigations suggest that once access was obtained, the accused extracted personal data from his phone gallery, including private photographs. These images were allegedly morphed into objectionable content and later used to blackmail him. Under continuous threats of public humiliation on social media, Gupta was forced to transfer nearly ₹6 lakh in multiple installments. The case highlights how cybercriminals are combining technology with psychological pressure to exploit victims.
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Phishing call siphons ₹1.99 Lakh from soldier
In a separate incident, an Army Subedar, Harishchandra Singh, became a victim of a phishing scam. On April 17, he received a call from an individual posing as a representative of Axis Bank. The caller offered to redeem his credit card reward points and directed him to a fake website.
Once Singh entered his card details on the fraudulent portal, unauthorized transactions worth ₹1,99,996 were immediately carried out. Realizing the fraud, he contacted the bank and filed a complaint through the national cybercrime helpline. However, officials note that recovery in such cases is difficult as fraudsters route money through multiple accounts to evade tracking.
Fake insurance alert tricks trader out of ₹55,000
The third case involves fruit trader Jaykumar Wadhwani from Amlidih, who was targeted through a fake insurance fraud scheme. The scammers contacted him claiming that his policy with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance was facing financial issues and required urgent action. To intensify pressure, they falsely referred to a “Consumer Court” case, creating panic and urgency.
He was then sent a malicious link under the pretext of generating a “freezing code.” As soon as he clicked the link, his banking credentials were compromised, and ₹55,000 was withdrawn from his account. Officials say such hybrid scams—combining emotional manipulation with technical hacking—are becoming increasingly common.
Why Raipur’s cyber fraud is evolving
Cyber experts believe these incidents reflect a clear evolution in fraud techniques. A researcher from Algoritha Security stated that criminals are now using “multi-layered social engineering,” where emotional fear, urgency, and technical exploitation are combined to trap victims.
Police in Raipur have warned citizens not to trust unknown calls, messages, or links. They have advised people never to share OTPs, banking details, or card information with anyone and to immediately report suspicious activity to cyber helplines.
Officials further noted that many such cybercrime networks operate from outside the state or even internationally, making investigation and fund recovery more complex. Cyber teams are currently analyzing digital footprints and transaction trails to identify and trace the accused.
These recent incidents serve as a strong reminder that as digital transactions increase, so does the risk of cyber fraud. Even a small lapse in caution can lead to significant financial losses, making awareness and vigilance essential in today’s digital environment.
