In a shocking case that highlights how cybercriminals are exploiting national security concerns, a Delhi resident lost a staggering ₹9.25 lakh to fraudsters who accused him of having links to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.
The Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim, a resident of Delhi's Paschim Vihar area, received a phone call that would trigger a financial nightmare. The caller, posing as a senior official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), dropped a bombshell allegation.
The fraudster claimed: "Your mobile number has been linked to the devastating Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel in 2019."
How the Psychological Manipulation Worked
The scammers employed sophisticated psychological tactics to keep the victim trapped in their web of deception:
- Transferred the call to someone claiming to be a "CBI officer from Mumbai"
- Created a false sense of urgency and legal consequences
- Used official-sounding terminology and government department names
- Maintained constant pressure to prevent the victim from thinking clearly
The Financial Drain
Under the guise of "verifying his financial transactions" and "protecting his accounts from being frozen," the fraudsters systematically drained the victim's savings:
- Convinced him to download a screen-sharing application
- Gained remote access to his mobile device
- Made multiple transactions through various UPI apps
- Transferred funds to different bank accounts
By the time the victim realized he was being scammed, the criminals had already siphoned off ₹9,25,789 from his accounts.
Official Response and Investigation
The Delhi Police has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. Law enforcement officials have noted several red flags that citizens should watch for:
- Government officials never make such allegations over phone calls
- No legitimate agency will ask for remote access to your devices
- Financial verification never involves transferring money to personal accounts
- Genuine investigations follow proper legal channels and documentation
Protecting Yourself from Similar Scams
Cybercrime experts recommend these crucial safety measures:
Immediate actions to take:
- Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers
- Verify the identity of callers by contacting the organization directly
- Avoid downloading any apps suggested by unknown callers
- Enable two-factor authentication on all financial accounts
When in doubt: Contact your local police cyber cell or the national cyber crime helpline at 1930 immediately.
This case serves as a stark reminder that in the digital age, our patriotism and fears can be weaponized against us by sophisticated criminal networks operating from the shadows.
