Cyber Crime
Retired Army Officer ‘Digitally Arrested’ by Fake CBI in Rs 82 Lakh Cyber Scam!
Panchkula — A retired Army officer from Panchkula has become the latest victim of fraudsters, who exploited a fake legal scenario to siphon off Rs 82.27 lakh. The local police have registered a case in connection with the crime, as more details emerge regarding the elaborate scheme that left the officer in financial ruin.
A Well-Executed Cyber Scam
Maj Gen Prabodh Chander Puri (retd), a resident of Sandeep Vihar in Sector 20, Panchkula, reported the crime to the police after realizing he had fallen into a cyber trap.
It all began on October 15 when he received a call from an unknown number, informing him that his mobile number had been flagged for excessive use and would be deactivated within two hours. The scammer then directed him to speak with a so-called “customer care service” for further clarification.
The fraud quickly escalated from there. “The caller connected me to a person who claimed to be from the cyber cell,” Maj Gen Puri explained in his complaint. The individual posing as a cyber cell officer falsely claimed that Puri’s phone number was linked to illegal activities, including money laundering worth Rs 80 lakh and threatening various individuals.
The Threat of ‘Digital Arrest’
The call took an even more sinister turn when Puri received a video call from a person claiming to be a representative of the Delhi Police Cyber Crime Unit. The fake officer then transferred the case to supposed officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), further deepening the trap.
According to Puri, the fraudsters informed him that he had been “digitally arrested” due to the alleged crimes linked to his phone number. In a highly convincing act of impersonation, they pressured the retired officer into transferring Rs 82.27 lakh under the guise of clearing his name from the money laundering investigation.
Police Investigation Underway
Local law enforcement officials in Panchkula have initiated an investigation into the case. A senior police officer confirmed that they are treating the incident as a serious matter and have begun efforts to track down the individuals responsible for orchestrating the scam. However, it remains unclear how the fraudsters managed to impersonate law enforcement so effectively and convince Maj Gen Puri to part with such a large sum of money.
The police have also issued a public advisory, urging citizens to be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from government authorities, banks, or law enforcement agencies.
A Widespread Problem
Cybercrime is becoming an increasingly common issue in India, as criminals continue to develop more sophisticated methods for deceiving people. In Alwar, authorities recently blocked 2,469 mobile phone and IMEI numbers in a major crackdown on cyberfraud. This operation was part of a larger effort to reduce cybercrime activities, particularly those originating from other states.
The rise in mobile phone-related fraud cases reflects a broader trend of criminals exploiting technology to execute scams and extort money from unsuspecting individuals. In a separate case, Kochi police recently arrested two individuals in connection with a series of high-end mobile phone thefts during a concert in Delhi.
Cybersecurity Awareness is Critical
This incident underscores the urgent need for increased cybersecurity awareness among the public, especially senior citizens and other vulnerable populations who are often targeted by scammers.
The use of fake law enforcement identities to threaten and extort money is a worrying trend, with many falling victim to similar schemes across the country.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying any unsolicited communication, particularly when it involves legal threats or demands for money. They are advising people to never share personal or financial information with unknown callers and to contact official law enforcement agencies directly if they suspect a scam.
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