Bengaluru doctor loses Rs 2.3 lakh in video call scam: How to stay safe

In a shocking case, a 72-year-old doctor from Bengaluru lost Rs 2.3 lakh to scammers last month. The incident, which occurred on July 27th, came to light only after the doctor, identified as Dr Ramesh (name changed), reported it to the police on August 5th.

Dr Ramesh, a resident of Kumara Park West, received a video call around midnight. Mistaking it for an emergency call from someone he knew, he answered and was surprised to find a woman on the other end of the line. The conversation took an inappropriate turn, with the doctor being persuaded to undress by the woman’s suggestions. Unaware of their intentions, he was recorded by the scammers during the call.

Also read: Delhi woman duped of Rs 2 lakh in digital arrest scam: What is it and how to stay safe

Later that day, Dr Ramesh received a call from someone claiming to be a Delhi cybercrime officer. The caller told him that photos and a video of his intimate act had been posted online, including on platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube. He falsely claimed that a complaint had been filed against Dr Ramesh, causing the doctor to panic.

The caller assured the doctor that he could remove the offending material for a fee. The doctor, desperate to protect his privacy, transferred Rs 41,500 to a bank account provided by the scammer. However, the fraudsters continued to demand more money, eventually extracting a total of Rs 2.3 lakh from Dr Ramesh through multiple transactions.

Dr Ramesh initially visited the police station under the guise of learning about crime and investigation procedures. It wasn’t until his third visit that he revealed he had been scammed. Police are now working to recover the lost funds and freeze the scammers’ accounts.

Also read: Indian cyber-fraud specialist lawyer loses Rs 1 crore in online scam: How to stay safe from digital fraud 

This case highlights the importance of being cautious with unexpected video calls. Here are some tips to stay safe from such scams:

• Never answer unfamiliar calls: Avoid answering video calls from unknown numbers, especially late at night. Verify the caller’s identity before engaging in any conversation.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Do not share sensitive information or engage in inappropriate activities during a video call, even if the caller seems trustworthy.
• Be cautious of unexpected requests: If someone on a video call asks you to perform any compromising act, disconnect immediately.
• Don’t fall for pressure tactics: Scammers may use fear and urgency to manipulate you. Stay calm, and never transfer money without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’re being scammed, report the incident to the police or cybercrime authorities as soon as possible.
• Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about common scams and educate those around you, especially elderly family members, about the dangers of online fraud.