Srinagar, Jan 17 :
An elderly couple from Srinagar has fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing a staggering Rs 48 lakh after fraudsters trapped them in a fake ‘digital arrest’ scam by posing as officials of central investigative agencies.
An official told news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the scammers contacted the couple through a WhatsApp video call, falsely claiming to be officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and alleged their involvement in a major financial fraud case.
The fraudsters sent fabricated CBI and TRAI orders and threatened to freeze the couple’s bank accounts and seize their property. They further subjected the victims to continuous video surveillance for several days, even restricting their movement and forbidding them from leaving their residence without permission, official said.
Living under intense psychological pressure and fear, the elderly couple ultimately transferred Rs 48 lakh to the fraudsters, official said.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence, Crime Branch J&K, has once again cautioned the public that there is no concept of ‘digital arrest’ and urged people facing such situations to immediately report the matter on helpline number 1930 or through the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Official noted that senior citizens living alone are often targeted in such scams and advised people to remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to cyber fraudsters. (KNC)