Find out how Hyderabad woman lost Rs. 20 lakhs to cyber fraudsters
Hyderabad: A 44-year-old female private employee from Hyderabad has fallen victim to a cyber fraud, resulting in a loss of Rs. 20 lakhs. According to the cybercrime police, the victim received a Skype video call claiming that a FedEx parcel had been sent from Mumbai to Iran in her name. The parcel allegedly contained five passports, five debit cards, a laptop, two kilograms of clothes, and 450 grams of MDMA.
The caller claimed that the victim was involved in a money laundering case, stating that she was under investigation as per the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 and other regulatory bodies. They further warned her that leaking this information could threaten her family's safety and that she could face imprisonment for three to seven years.
The fraudsters demanded detailed personal information, including her family details, employment status, and the number of bank accounts she held. They informed her that thirty bank accounts had been opened using her Aadhaar number. Feeling pressured, the victim provided the requested details.
The call was then transferred to a person claiming to be from the RBI Finance Department, who inquired about her bank balance. When she mentioned that she had no money, the fraudster arranged a pre-approved personal loan. Following their instructions, the victim transferred Rs. 20 lakhs to what she believed were legitimate accounts, expecting a refund. However, she never received any money back and soon realised she had been scammed. Subsequently, she filed an online complaint.
Public Advisory
Authorities urge the public not to panic if they receive threatening video calls purporting to be from government agencies like the CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, or law enforcement officers.
If you receive a suspicious call, end the conversation immediately without further engagement and report it to your local police station. No government agency or law enforcement official will make such Skype calls or demand money for resolving issues. There is no such thing as "digital arrest."
Scammers often use psychological tactics to manipulate their victims. Do not deposit money into unknown bank accounts based on false promises from unfamiliar individuals.
If you or someone you know becomes a victim of cybercrime, please contact 1930 or register a case at cybercrime.gov.in. For emergencies related to cyber fraud, call or WhatsApp at 8712665171.
