A 58-year-old woman from Mangaluru has fallen victim to a sophisticated parcel scam, losing a staggering Rs 68.4 lakh to cyber fraudsters. The incident, which came to light on Wednesday, highlights the growing menace of online financial frauds targeting unsuspecting individuals.
The Modus Operandi
The fraudsters contacted the victim, a resident of Kottara near Mangaluru, posing as courier company executives. They informed her that a parcel addressed to her had been intercepted by the police, containing illegal items such as drugs and passports. To add credibility, they transferred the call to individuals impersonating law enforcement officers from the Mumbai Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau.
The scammers threatened her with legal action and arrest, coercing her to transfer money to various bank accounts to "verify" her innocence. Over a period of several days, the victim made multiple transactions totaling Rs 68.4 lakh, believing she was cooperating with an official investigation.
Realization and Complaint
It was only after the fraudsters demanded additional payments that the woman grew suspicious and approached the Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. Police have launched an investigation to trace the money and identify the perpetrators.
Advisory to Public
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Key precautions include:
- Never share personal or financial details over unsolicited calls.
- Verify the identity of callers by contacting official agencies directly.
- Report any suspicious activity to the cyber crime helpline at 1930.
The police are also working with banks to freeze the accounts used in the fraud and recover the stolen funds. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for digital literacy and caution in the face of evolving cyber threats.
