A woman in Basti was allegedly cheated of ₹14.43 lakh by fraudsters who claimed that her brother had been jailed and required urgent money for release. A case has been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station against unknown persons after the victim reported that she was pressured into transferring money in multiple instalments.
According to reports, the incident began on May 24, 2026, when the victim received a call from an unknown mobile number. The caller allegedly told her that her brother had been arrested in a case and that immediate financial assistance was needed to secure his release.
FCRF’s Flagship Cyber Law Certification Returns With a New Four-Week Cohort
Emotional Pressure Used to Extract Money
Police said the fraudsters gained the victim’s trust by posing as people who could help arrange her brother’s release through legal channels. They maintained regular contact with her and repeatedly created urgency around the payments.
The accused allegedly warned that any delay in transferring money would make the release process more difficult. Under fear and emotional pressure, the woman began sending money from her bank account.
The victim also collected money from relatives and acquaintances to meet the demands made by the callers. Over several days, she transferred a total of ₹14.43 lakh into different bank accounts provided by the accused.
Calls Switched Off After Repeated Payments
The victim became suspicious when no information was given about her brother’s release despite repeated payments. When she tried to contact the accused again, their phone numbers were found switched off.
After realizing that she had been cheated, she approached the Cyber Crime Police Station and lodged a formal complaint. Police registered a case under charges of cheating, fraudulent misappropriation of funds and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.
Officials said preliminary investigation indicates that fake identities and multiple bank accounts may have been used to receive and route the money. The cyber team is examining the phone numbers and bank account details linked to the fraud.
Cyber Cell Probes Wider Gang Links
Police suspect that the case may be connected to a larger organised cyber fraud network. Officials said such gangs often use fake calls, online communication channels and accounts opened under different identities to hide their trail.
Cyber experts said scams involving fake arrests or emergency situations rely heavily on emotional manipulation. Victims are pressured to act quickly, often before verifying the claim with the concerned person or authorities.
Police have urged people not to trust unknown callers demanding money in the name of legal trouble, arrests or emergencies involving relatives. Authorities said direct verification should be done before transferring any amount, especially when the demand comes from an unfamiliar number.
