Digital arrest scam: Hyderabad man loses Rs 7 lakhs by callers posing as Crime Branch police
The caller stated that a shipment with his details was sent from Mumbai to China containing five passports, drugs, and a laptop
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 Dec 2024 2:24 PM GMT
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Hyderabad: A businessman here was duped of more than Rs 7 lakhs in the DHL Parcel scam that culminated in a digital arrest. Unidentified persons cheated the victim by claiming that an international parcel in his name contained drugs which made the businessman pay the callers to escape any punishment.
Case details
The victim, a 45-year-old businessman from Hyderabad, received a call from someone claiming to be from the DHL Courier office. The caller stated that a shipment with his details was sent from Mumbai to China containing five passports, drugs, and a laptop.
The caller informed the victim that if the parcel did not belong to him, they would escalate the matter to the Crime Branch and file a complaint regarding the shipment. The fraudster also contacted the victimās relatives and friends, causing the victim to panic and agree to the callerās instructions to solve the issue.
The fraudster instructed the victim to download Skype for further communication. The fraudster claimed that the victimās Aadhaar card and PAN card had been used for the shipment of the parcel. The fraudster instructed the victim to share his screen and stay in contact with him over the phone for two days, monitoring all his activities.
The fraudster directed the victim to go to a silent place and not inform anyone about the situation. Another person on the call claimed to be a Crime Branch officer, specifically a DCP, and the only person who could help the victim. The fraudster told the victim to activate his internet connection and stated that an arrest warrant had been issued against him in a money laundering case.
The victim was asked not to discuss the case with anyone
They claimed the police would arrive at the victimās office to arrest him within five minutes. The victim, terrified, received a copy of the supposed arrest warrant from the fraudster and panicked further. The fraudster then instructed the victim to transfer 95 per cent of his funds into their account, supposedly to verify whether the victim was involved in money laundering or any illegal activity.
The fraudster promised to refund the amount after verification and assured the victim that they would provide him with a āPolice Clearance Certificate.ā To gain the victimās trust, the fraudster shared multiple case-related documents. Believing the call to be genuine, the victim transferred a substantial amount of Rs 7,50,197 into the fraudsterās account for verification purposes. Unfortunately, the victim was deceived and ultimately lost the money.
After coming to know that they had been duped, the victim lodged a complaint and requested necessary action against the fraudsters.
Public advisory on 'digital arrests'
- Donāt take calls from unknown numbers.
Donāt panic if you receive any threatening video calls claiming them to be CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, judges, cybercrime police, narcotics, FedEx, BSNL, TRAI etc.
- If a call raises suspicion, individuals should end the call immediately, without engaging. Further, if you have any fear report immediately to the nearest police station. No government agency or law enforcement officials will make such Skype calls and demand money to clear the issue.
- There is no provision for digital arrest and enquiry in the judicial system. Scammers can employ psychological tactics to manipulate emotions and decision-making. Do not deposit money to unknown bank accounts believing false promises of unknown persons.
- If you are a victim of cyber fraud, immediately dial 1930 or by visiting cybercrime.gov.in. In case of any emergency regarding cyber fraud, please call or WhatsApp on 8712665171.
Follow us on these links for the latest cyber awareness updates.
https://www.facebook.com/cybercrimepolice.gov.in
