Cyber Crime
Cyber Cell Recovers Rs. 16 Lakhs for Bhayandar Woman Scammed in Online Trading Fraud
MUMBAI: The cyber cell of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police swiftly recovered Rs. 16.02 lakh for a 35-year-old woman from Bhayandar who fell victim to an online stock trading scam. The woman, who earns her living by baking biscuits and cakes at home, was deceived into parting with Rs. 23.75 lakh by fraudsters posing as financial advisors on foreign stock exchange investments.
The Deception and Loss
Lured by the promise of lucrative returns, the victim initially made 3 to 4 trial transactions. Encouraged by the deceitful advice, she continued to invest, ultimately transferring Rs. 23.75 lakh to bank and digital wallet accounts specified by the scammers over 18 transactions within a mere 72-hour timeframe. It was only after these transactions that she realized she had been duped.
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Law Enforcement’s Prompt Response
Upon receiving the victim’s complaint, the cyber cell, led by Police Inspector Sujitkumar Gunjkar, took immediate action. The case was registered under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, 2000, at both the cyber cell and Bhayandar police station. The team then reported the incident to the National Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and initiated a thorough investigation to trace the fraudulently transferred funds.
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Recovery and Advice to the Public
Through diligent follow-up with the banks involved, the police were able to freeze Rs. 16.02 lakh of the stolen money, although the rest had already been withdrawn by the criminals. The recovered funds were returned to the victim’s account by order of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Thane. Highlighting the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of such crimes, cyber cell officials have urged the public to be cautious with unknown contacts and to report any suspicions of online fraud immediately. The cybercrime cell is accessible through phone at 1930, email, and their website at www.cybercrime.gov.in, ensuring support is readily available for those in need.