The victim received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be an ED officer, according to the FIR.
Mysuru: Cybercriminals allegedly cheated a retired govt officer in the city of more than Rs 1.5 crore over a month by impersonating Enforcement Directorate (ED) and police officials. He showed her a debit card in her name and accused her of receiving commissions on transactions worth more than Rs 20 crore. Believing their claims, she transferred more than Rs 1.5 crore in multiple transactions over a month.
Cybercriminals allegedly threatened her with arrest and told her the money in her bank account was needed for verification. Despite sustained awareness campaigns by govt agencies and the police, people, especially educated senior citizens, continue to fall prey to such cybercriminals. The fraudsters allegedly escalated the intimidation by arranging a video call with a person dressed in a police uniform. When the promised refund did not materialise, she approached the CEN police and lodged a complaint seeking action against the fraudsters.
Economics, and narcotics (CEN) police, the victim received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be an ED officer, according to the FIR registered by the city’s cyber. He allegedly told her that her mobile number was linked to illegal activities and later claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against her for misusing her bank account at a nationalised bank. Police said awareness and basic cyber hygiene are crucial to preventing such frauds. Ignoring such calls and immediately reporting suspicious communications to the police are the simplest ways to avoid falling victim to these scams,” a cyber police officer said.
“No agency can issue an arrest warrant through a video call, nor can anyone demand money for verification.