On September 1, Vidya received an unexpected call from a person claiming to be a DHL employee.
The caller informed her that a package meant for her had been seized by customs in Mumbai, allegedly containing illegal drugs.
The scam escalated quickly when the caller, along with others pretending to be law enforcement officers, began threatening Vidya.
In today’s digital world, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and even the most vigilant individuals can fall victim to them. Take the case of Vidya, a 48-year-old businesswoman from Delhi-NCR, whose life turned upside down after receiving a phone call. What started as a simple conversation with someone claiming to be a DHL employee soon led to a terrifying series of events, leaving Vidya lost Rs 5 crore.
On September 1, Vidya received an unexpected call from a person claiming to be a DHL employee. The caller informed her that a package meant for her had been seized by customs in Mumbai, allegedly containing illegal drugs. Vidya, shocked and confused, knew nothing about such a package. But what followed was the beginning of a sophisticated scam that played on her fears and insecurities.
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The scam escalated quickly when the caller, along with others pretending to be law enforcement officers, began threatening Vidya. They claimed her identity was tied to a major criminal investigation involving a crime syndicate. To back up their story, they even provided a fake arrest warrant, adding more pressure on Vidya. These fake officials demanded that Vidya transfer her assets into a designated bank account to assist with the investigation.
For the next several days, Vidya was subjected to intense psychological manipulation. Scammers instructed her to keep her phone’s video on at all times, avoid speaking to anyone outside the “operation,” and follow strict orders. The constant fear of being watched and the threats of legal consequences kept her trapped in a cycle of compliance. As a result, Vidya transferred large sums of money, thinking she was cooperating with authorities.
It wasn’t until the scammers’ tone turned casual and celebratory that Vidya began to question the situation. She realised she had been scammed. Despite her immediate attempt to lodge an FIR, the money had already been moved to various bank accounts. Vidya described the experience as being under a “hypnotic grip,” where the scammers’ psychological tactics clouded her judgement.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how easily scammers can exploit the digital ecosystem. With rapid financial transactions and weak security checks, victims often find themselves helpless. This also highlights the evolving dangers of digital scams and the importance of awareness to protect oneself.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
