Mumbai Police Data Protection Scam: Fraudsters Swindle Lakhs Posing as Officials
Cybercriminals Impersonate Mumbai Police in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam, Duping Bengaluru Resident of ₹63.30 Lakh
A resident of Bengaluru was recently swindled out of ₹63.30 lakh by cyber fraudsters posing as officials from the Data Protection Board of India and the Mumbai Police.
The Scam
The scammers employed a tactic known as a “digital arrest” scam, where they threatened the victim with legal consequences and conducted a staged inquiry over a video call.
The victim was contacted by an individual claiming to be “Sudeep,” who identified himself as a Mumbai Police officer. During the video call, the fraudster wore what appeared to be a police uniform and displayed an official-looking backdrop to create an air of authenticity.
The victim, under psychological pressure and fear, transferred funds from his and his wife’s accounts to various bank accounts over a 10-day period.
Transaction Details
The money was transferred in multiple transactions to accounts in Yes Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and ICICI Bank. The scammers had instructed the victim to send the funds as part of a “verification” or “clearance” process.
Investigators are currently examining the transaction details and have initiated steps to identify and freeze the recipient accounts.
Prevention and Awareness
This type of scam has been on the rise in recent months, with fraudsters impersonating officials from law enforcement agencies or regulatory bodies. They falsely claim that the victim’s Aadhaar number, SIM card, or bank accounts are linked to illicit activities.
Victims are often kept on prolonged video calls, subjected to constant intimidation, and instructed to transfer money.
To protect themselves from such scams, individuals should exercise caution when dealing with callers claiming to be police or regulatory officials.
They should not trust uniforms, ID cards, or official-looking backdrops displayed on video calls as proof of authenticity.
It is essential not to share bank details, OTPs, or transfer money under the pretext of an investigation.
Instead, individuals should disconnect the call and verify the authenticity of the caller through the official website or helpline of the concerned agency.
Reporting Incidents
The national cybercrime helpline (1930) or the nearest cybercrime police station should be contacted immediately to report such incidents.
Cyber experts emphasize that fear tactics are a crucial tool employed by fraudsters to force quick decisions.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious calls to the authorities.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
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