MHADA deputy engineer who was a victim of cyber fraud lost Rs 3 lakh as a result of a “fake investigation.” The victim, who lives in Sion, was called at work on Friday, November 8, according to police sources. At first, the scammers claimed to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The 41-year-old woman was told by the caller that her Aadhaar information had been used to issue a new SIM card, which is reportedly being used to transmit pornographic texts across the country. The scammers forwarded the call to a supposed cybercrime officer and threatened to ban her number, claiming a cybercrime investigation had been started due to multiple complaints.
After contacting the victim over WhatsApp video call and claiming to be a Maharashtra Cyber Police batch number (MCB: 32569), the alleged cyber officer made a digital arrest. During the probe, he told her not to move or take any more calls.
The alleged officer went on to claim that they had been investigating a money laundering case for Rs 300 crore involving Pooja Mhatre. He informed the victim that transactions totaling Rs 26.28 lakh from years ago were connected to her bank account.
The scammer then directed her to enter information under “MSVA 0710” after sending her a dubious link: https://mumbalpolicegovin.ougd.top/app/. The MHADA woman was astonished to see her name and photo posted among the accused along with the pictures and information of other people when she entered her information.
The scammers then requested her bank account information and told her to transfer money to a “RBI-linked account,” threatening to jail her unless she cooperated fully. They also promised to return her money within a week after verification.
The victim sent Rs 3 lakh to the UPI number over a succession of transactions while under duress and afraid of being arrested. The MHADA woman went to the Kherwadi police station and lodged a complaint after realizing she had been tricked.
“We have registered a case under sections 308, 319(2), 336(3), 340(2), 3(5), and sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act against unknown persons. Further investigation is underway,” said a police officer.
The officer further urged the public to remain vigilant against cyber fraud and alleged ‘digital arrests’. “Do not engage with such calls, as the police do not conduct investigations through video calls,” the officer said, adding that one must report suspicious calls immediately by calling cyber helpline number 1930.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: CIO News LinkedIn Account | CIO News Facebook | CIO News Youtube | CIO News Twitter
About us:
CIO News is the premier platform dedicated to delivering the latest news, updates, and insights from the CIO industry. As a trusted source in the technology and IT sector, we provide a comprehensive resource for executives and professionals seeking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. With a focus on cutting-edge developments and trends, CIO News serves as your go-to destination for staying abreast of the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and IT. Founded in June 2020, CIO News has rapidly evolved with ambitious growth plans to expand globally, targeting markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, USA, and the UK.
