A Delhi-based graphic designer fell for an elaborate online scam and was tricked into transferring Rs 2 lakh after going through a harrowing experience of being held hostage by scammers posing as policemen. The entire episode took a scary four-hour period, during which the designer was threatened with money laundering charges and forced to comply with their demands. This eye-opening incident reinforces the dangerous minds of some online scammers who will capitalise on fear and confusion to steal huge amounts of money from unsuspecting individuals.
The ordeal began with a call, informing the woman that a suspicious package had been registered under her Aadhaar number. The caller claimed to be from a courier service and told her that the parcel contained MDMA and other illegal substances, implying that she had become a victim of an organised crime. The caller then handed the conversation to another imposter, who claimed to be an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch. He informed her that her Aadhaar number was being used on multiple accounts for money laundering, which frightened her.
The scammers, applying pressure, threatened to freeze all her bank accounts unless she complied with their demands. They told her to lock her room and then speak to them only via Skype, adding a sense of urgency and ensuring that the girl would not talk about the matter to anyone. After about four hours, she was guided by the scammers to transfer Rs 2 lakh to an account given by the scammers.
It was only after the call ended that she realised that something was wrong. Still shaken, she told her husband, who advised her to report the matter to the local police. The police have opened a case now and have told the public to be aware of the rising prevalence of such scams.
Tips to Stay Safe from Similar Scams:
- Do not entertain unsolicited phone calls, especially those involving threats or urgent demands for you to act.
- Verify claims from the organisation directly, such as your bank or the local police.
- Do not provide any personal or banking information to someone you do not know over the phone.
- Just hang up if you are threatened, and be sure to notify the authorities.
- Always use two-factor authentication for protection when accessing your online accounts.