Cyber Crime
This Innocent Facebook Friend Request Cost a Mumbai Man Rs 21 Lakh—Find Out How
MUMBAI: A 46-year-old software programmer in Mumbai has fallen victim to a cyber sextortion scam, losing a staggering Rs 21.39 lakh. The incident occurred after the man was befriended by a woman on Facebook, who lured him into a compromising video call and later extorted money from him.
The cyber police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in the matter and launched an investigation to apprehend the culprits. According to the police, the complainant, a resident of Mahim, received a friend request from an unknown woman named Poonam Sharma on June 16. After accepting the request, he engaged in online conversations with her.
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The incident unfolded when the complainant was in the washroom and received a video call from Sharma. When he answered, he was shocked to see the woman taking off her clothes. He immediately hung up the call, but a day later, he received a WhatsApp message from Sharma containing a recorded clip of their video call. Sharma threatened to upload the video online if the complainant did not comply with her demands.
The following day, the complainant received a call from a man who claimed to be an IPS officer named Dinesh Kumar from the Delhi cyber crime branch. The man informed the complainant that a video clip of him had gone viral on the internet and demanded Rs 21,500 to delete it. The complainant, fearing the consequences, sent the money.
In July, the “IPS officer” called the complainant again, claiming that Sharma had died by suicide and had mentioned his name and mobile number in her suicide note. The officer extorted more money from the complainant, promising to help him resolve the matter by bribing the doctor, police, and Sharma’s family.
When the “IPS officer” demanded more money, the complainant realized that he was being conned. By then, he had already sent Rs 21.39 lakh to the fraudsters.
On Saturday, the complainant approached the police and filed a complaint. The police are investigating the matter and have obtained details of the bank accounts, mobile numbers, and internet devices used by the fraudsters.
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Tips to Spot and Stay Safe from Cyber Sextortion Scams
- Be Cautious Online • Don’t accept friend requests from strangers • Be wary of quick relationship escalation
- Protect Your Privacy • Never share intimate content online • Use strong privacy settings on social media
- Stay Alert • Be suspicious of pressure tactics or urgent requests • Verify identities of people claiming authority
- Trust Your Instincts • If something feels off, it probably is • Don’t let fear or embarrassment stop you from seeking help
- Keep Evidence • Save all communications if you suspect a scam • This helps when reporting to authorities
How to Report Cybercrime in India
- Online: • Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in • File a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- Phone: • Call 1930 (National Cybercrime Helpline)
- In-Person: • Visit your local police station or cyber crime cell
- Platform Reporting: • Use in-app reporting features on social media platforms
Remember, time is crucial in cybercrime cases. Report incidents as soon as possible for the best chance of resolution and to prevent further harm to yourself or others.