Woman loses Rs 1.16 lakh after fake crime branch call: Here’s how the scam unfolded

Woman loses Rs 1.16 lakh after fake crime branch call: Here’s how the scam unfolded
HIGHLIGHTS

It all started when the woman received a call from an unknown number.

The caller claimed to be from the Delhi Crime Branch and accused her of being involved in illegal bank transactions.

. To make the situation seem even more serious, the fraudster directed her to speak with a “senior officer,” and later connected her to a man posing as a police officer via a WhatsApp video call.

Scams are becoming more sophisticated by the day, and one recent incident has once again highlighted how easily unsuspecting people can fall prey to fraudsters. A 45-year-old woman lost Rs 1.16 lakh after receiving a call from an unknown number. Keep reading to know how the scam unfolded and how you can avoid falling for such scams.

It all started when the woman, who works as a recovery agent for a Mumbai-based company, received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be from the Delhi Crime Branch and accused her of being involved in illegal bank transactions tied to drug deals and possessing multiple debit cards and passports. To make the situation seem even more serious, the fraudster directed her to speak with a “senior officer,” and later connected her to a man posing as a police officer via a WhatsApp video call.

Also read: Man loses Rs 64,000 in tour package scam: Here’s what happened

During the call, the woman was coerced into sharing her Aadhaar card details for verification. She then received a fake court warrant and a notice, allegedly from the Reserve Bank of India, reports TOI. This made the situation appear even more official and convincing.

Fearing the consequences, the woman transferred Rs 1 lakh in two separate transactions. Next day, the fraudsters called again, demanding an additional Rs 16,000. When the woman attempted to contact them for a resolution, they stopped responding. 

Also read: Man loses Rs 4 lakh to credit card reward points scam: Here’s what happened

How to avoid falling for such scams

  • Be skeptical of unknown calls: If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be from law enforcement or a government agency, do not engage with the caller immediately. Verify the information before taking any action.
  • Don’t share personal information: Never share sensitive personal information like your Aadhaar card, bank details, or passwords with anyone over the phone or video calls, especially when you haven’t initiated the contact.
  • Check official sources: If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a message or call, contact the agency or company directly using official contact numbers from their website.
  • Don’t rush into transactions: Fraudsters often pressure victims into making quick decisions. Take your time to assess the situation and consult trusted people if necessary.
Ayushi Jain

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

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