In a shocking incident that highlights the growing sophistication of cyber criminals in Odisha, two residents of Bhubaneswar found themselves victims of an elaborate digital fraud scheme that cost them lakhs of rupees. The capital city's cybercrime cell has launched a thorough investigation into what appears to be a well-organized racket targeting unsuspecting citizens.
The Elaborate Scam Unfolds
The nightmare began when both victims encountered issues with their online services and turned to what they believed were legitimate customer care numbers. Little did they know they were walking straight into a carefully laid trap by cyber fraudsters who had set up fake customer service operations.
According to police reports, the scammers employed multiple sophisticated techniques to drain funds from their victims' accounts:
- Fake customer care numbers circulating online
- Remote access to victims' mobile devices
- Manipulation of UPI payment applications
- Psychological pressure tactics to extract money
How the Fraudsters Operated
The modus operandi followed a disturbingly systematic pattern. Once the victims contacted the fake customer care numbers, the fraudsters gained their trust and convinced them to download remote access applications. Under the guise of "resolving technical issues," the criminals took complete control of the victims' smartphones.
The scammers then executed a multi-stage financial attack: First, they accessed banking applications and UPI platforms. Next, they manipulated transaction approvals while keeping the victims occupied with false technical procedures. Finally, they transferred substantial amounts to multiple accounts before the victims realized what was happening.
Police Response and Investigation
Bhubaneswar police have registered separate cases and are working with cybercrime specialists to track down the perpetrators. "We are following digital footprints and transaction records to identify the fraudsters," stated a senior police official involved in the investigation.
The police have alerted financial institutions and are coordinating with banking authorities to freeze suspicious accounts and recover the stolen funds. Preliminary investigations suggest the scam might be operating from outside Odisha, possibly involving interstate criminal networks.
Protecting Yourself from Similar Scams
Cyber security experts recommend several precautionary measures:
- Always verify customer care numbers through official websites only
- Never grant remote access to unknown individuals
- Enable two-factor authentication on all financial applications
- Regularly monitor bank statements for suspicious activity
- Install reputable anti-virus software on smartphones
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime in India and the critical need for digital literacy among citizens. As technology advances, so do the methods of those seeking to exploit it for illegal gains.
