Cyber Crime
Mother-Daughter Duo Trapped in Digital Arrest, Duped of Rs 36.58 Lakh
A shocking case of cybercrime has surfaced in Noida, where a mother-daughter duo was held in “digital arrest” and swindled out of Rs 36.58 lakh. The victims, Taruna Gaba and her mother, Shashi Gaba, were subjected to psychological torture and relentless threats by fraudsters posing as government and police officials. The incident has sent ripples of concern throughout the city, highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime.
The Start of the Ordeal
The ordeal began when Taruna Gaba, a recent MBA graduate seeking employment, received a phone call from an unknown number in late November. The caller introduced himself as an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and accused her of involvement in money laundering and human organ trafficking, allegedly linked to her Aadhaar card.
Claiming to be part of an official investigation, the fraudsters coerced Taruna into participating in an online interrogation. To make their scam appear legitimate, they connected her to fake “Mumbai Police officers” via Skype and even sent a forged arrest warrant, further heightening their threats.
A Sophisticated Scam
The criminals manipulated the victims into transferring Rs 36.58 lakh in two installments, assuring them the money would be returned after the “investigation.” They also collected sensitive information about the Gaba family’s home and pressured them to provide additional funds. Although the fraudsters demanded more money by breaking fixed deposits and mortgaging property, the victims refused.
For four harrowing days, Taruna and her mother lived in constant fear, unable to seek help due to the criminals’ threats. The psychological pressure, coupled with the fear of public shame and legal consequences, led them to comply with the fraudsters’ demands.
Police Action and Recovery Efforts
After the fraudsters broke contact, the Gaba family finally reported the incident to the police. Acting swiftly, the authorities managed to freeze Rs 2 lakh of the swindled funds and registered a case against the cybercriminals. Efforts are now underway to track the perpetrators.
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The Noida Police have issued a public advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams and report suspicious activity immediately. “Fraudsters often employ psychological manipulation and fake documentation to gain their victims’ trust,” a police spokesperson said.
A Growing Cyber Threat
This case serves as a grim reminder of the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in India. From fake calls to forged documents and online impersonation, fraudsters are using advanced tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims. Authorities have emphasized the importance of cybersecurity awareness and the need to verify any claims made by unknown callers before taking action.
As cybercrimes continue to rise, this incident underscores the urgent need for better safeguards and public awareness. Citizens are advised to double-check credentials, avoid sharing sensitive information online, and contact authorities immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.
