The Cyber Cell of Bhagalpur Police has launched a detailed investigation into two significant cyber fraud cases that resulted in a combined loss of a staggering Rs 2.30 crore for the victims. The incidents, which follow distinct modus operandi, highlight the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals to target individuals, including a senior citizen and a bank manager.
Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 1.20 Crore in 'Digital Arrest' Scam
In a distressing case of impersonation and intimidation, a senior citizen named Nalin Kumar Rai, a resident of Adampur under the Jogsar police station area, was cheated of Rs 1.20 crore. The fraud occurred in the first week of December. Cybercriminals posed as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and subjected Rai to what is now being termed a "digital arrest."
The criminals falsely claimed they were investigating a case against him and his bank account. Under this threat, they coerced him into transferring money from his account to theirs via Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transactions. The amount was transferred in three instalments, totalling the massive sum. To placate the victim, the fraudsters assured him that the funds would be returned after the purported investigation was complete.
It was only when the money was not credited back to his account that Nalin Kumar Rai realised he had been cheated. He subsequently filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the police, detailing the entire ordeal.
Bank Manager Loses Rs 1.11 Crore in Fake Investment Trap
In a separate but equally audacious scam, Sarfarazuddin, a bank manager based in Kahalgaon, was duped of Rs 1.11 crore. The fraud began when he was added to a WhatsApp group by a person identified as Jas Singh, who offered tips on stock market investments and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
As part of the scheme, Sarfarazuddin was persuaded to download a fraudulent application for share market and IPO investments. Trusting the advice, he followed the instructions given and made payments totalling Rs 1.11 crore to the specified accounts. The final transfer was a sum of Rs 24.4 lakh, which was described as "tax money."
Immediately after this last transaction, the cyber frauds froze their bank account and removed the bank manager from the WhatsApp group, cutting off all communication. Left with no recourse, Sarfarazuddin filed a formal police complaint about the online fraud.
Police Investigation Underway to Trace Criminals
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Cyber Cell) Kanishk Srivastava confirmed on Monday that probes into both incidents are actively progressing. The police are working to identify the cybercriminals and trace the bank accounts used to receive the illicit funds.
"Some names of cyber criminals have been mentioned by those cheated and they are being traced," stated DSP Srivastava. The Cyber Cell is employing technical surveillance and forensic methods to track the digital footprints left by the accused in these high-value fraud cases.
These incidents serve as a stark warning to the public about the rising threat of complex cyber frauds. Authorities advise citizens to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls, messages, or investment advice, especially those involving pressure tactics or requests for money transfers.
