In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an 87-year-old retired school teacher from Dehradun was swindled out of a staggering Rs 32 lakh. The elaborate scam involved criminals subjecting the elderly woman to what police term an 11-day 'digital arrest', where she was manipulated into believing her family was under investigation.
The Anatomy of a Digital Kidnapping
The terrifying ordeal began when the victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, received a call from individuals posing as officials from the Mumbai Police. The fraudsters spun a web of lies, claiming that her son, who resides in Dubai, was about to be arrested. They alleged that suspicious content had been discovered on his phone and warned that as his mother, she could also be implicated in the case.
Fearing for her son's safety and her own legal standing, the retired teacher fell prey to the pressure. Over the course of the prolonged harassment, she was convinced to share sensitive details of her bank accounts and other financial information, believing it was part of an official probe. The callers maintained constant contact, ensuring she remained isolated and compliant throughout the 11-day period.
How the Money Was Siphoned Off
According to Kush Mishra, the DSP with the state cyber-crime unit, the fraudsters executed their plan methodically. Once they had gained her trust and secured her financial details, they instructed her to transfer the money into their accounts. The massive sum of Rs 32 lakh was moved over several days in multiple transactions.
"After the payments were made, they severed all contact. She then approached us and filed a complaint against the unidentified accused," stated DSP Mishra, detailing the cold end to the crime.
A Stark Warning from Cyber Police
This distressing incident has prompted authorities to issue a crucial public advisory. The police are urging citizens, especially senior citizens who are often targeted, to exercise extreme caution.
"We urge the public not to trust callers posing as officials. Do not share banking details or transfer money. Report such calls to the police immediately," emphasized DSP Kush Mishra. The case underscores the sophisticated tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit fear and urgency.
Key takeaways for the public include:
- Law enforcement agencies never demand money or sensitive bank details over the phone for investigations.
- Never share OTPs, card details, or net banking credentials with anyone.
- Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the relevant department or police station directly on their official numbers.
- Discuss any such threatening calls with family members before taking any action.
The Dehradun police are actively investigating the case to track down the unidentified cyber criminals behind this heartless scam.
