A 37-year-old woman from Mangaluru, Karnataka, lost Rs 2.92 lakh to cyber fraudsters who posed as courier company and police officials, according to the city cyber crime police. The incident highlights the growing menace of digital fraud where scammers exploit fear and authority to extract money.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The victim, a resident of Kottara, received a phone call from an unknown person who claimed to be from a courier company. The caller informed her that a parcel addressed to her had been intercepted by the Mumbai police and contained illegal items, including drugs and passports. The fraudster then transferred the call to another individual posing as a Mumbai police officer.
The fake officer warned the woman that she was implicated in a serious crime and that her bank accounts would be frozen. To avoid legal trouble, she was instructed to transfer money to a designated bank account for verification purposes. The fraudsters assured her that the amount would be refunded once the investigation was complete.
Victim Transferred Money in Multiple Instances
Panicked by the threats, the woman transferred Rs 2.92 lakh in multiple transactions to accounts provided by the scammers. It was only after the fraudsters demanded more money that she realized she had been cheated and approached the cyber crime police.
The police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Indian Penal Code sections related to cheating and impersonation. Investigations are underway to trace the bank accounts and mobile numbers used in the fraud.
Police Advisory on Cyber Frauds
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. The cyber crime police have issued a public advisory warning people not to share personal or financial information over the phone and to verify any claims of parcel interception or police involvement by contacting the nearest police station.
They emphasized that government agencies never demand money through phone calls or threaten account freezes. In case of suspicious calls, individuals are advised to hang up immediately and report the number to the cyber crime helpline at 1930 or visit the official cyber crime reporting portal.
Rise in Courier Scams
This case is part of a broader trend of courier-based scams across India. Fraudsters often use fake identities of courier companies and law enforcement agencies to create a sense of urgency and fear. The modus operandi typically involves claims of illegal items in a parcel, followed by demands for money to avoid legal action.
The Mangaluru cyber crime police are working with other agencies to track down the perpetrators. They have also advised banks to implement stricter verification processes for large transactions.
Citizens are encouraged to spread awareness about such scams among family and friends, especially the elderly who may be more vulnerable. The police reiterated that no legitimate organization would ask for money transfers or sensitive information over the phone.
