Rajasthan Man Scammed ₹6.80 Crore by Fake IPS Officer in Digital Arrest Fraud
Incident involving a fraudulent video call scam where a Rajasthan resident was forced to transfer ₹10 lakh.
Incident Overview
A Rajasthan resident was reportedly coerced into transferring ₹10 lakh through a video call scam involving a fraudulent individual posing as an IPS officer. The incident, which unfolded in the Khairthal-Tijara district, involved allegations of a fabricated ₹6.80 crore financial fraud scheme.
Victim’s Experience
The victim, identified as Deshram from Mundawar, received a video call on August 4 from an individual clad in a police uniform who claimed to be an IPS officer from Delhi. The caller, allegedly named Sunil Kumar Gautam, asserted that Deshram’s Aadhaar details had been misused to establish a fraudulent SIM card and bank account linked to a high-value financial crime.
Scammer’s Tactics
The fraudster threatened legal action, including potential imprisonment, and pressured the victim to transfer funds to mitigate the fabricated case. Under duress, Deshram initiated an RTGS transaction of ₹10 lakh from a State Bank of India branch in Khairthal on August 11 to an account specified by the scammer.
Escalation and Intervention
The perpetrator subsequently demanded additional payments, prompting Deshram to retrieve jewelry valued at ₹15-20 lakh from his residence with the intent to sell it for further funds. Local authorities intervened after becoming aware of the situation, preventing the sale of the jewelry and advising the victim of the fraudulent nature of the interaction.
Police confirmed that genuine law enforcement officials do not conduct arrests via video calls or request monetary transactions to avoid legal consequences.
Broader Trends and Similar Cases
The case aligns with a broader trend of digital arrest scams in Rajasthan, where perpetrators impersonate government agencies to exploit victims through psychological manipulation. A similar incident was reported earlier in the week, wherein a 90-year-old retired district judge in Jaipur allegedly lost ₹2.50 crore after being targeted by fraudsters posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Reserve Bank of India.
Scam Characteristics
These scams typically involve prolonged communication, fabricated legal threats, and demands for financial transfers. Cybercrime experts emphasize that government agencies do not solicit payments through digital channels or request sensitive information such as Aadhaar numbers, banking details, or OTPs.
Expert Advice and Public Awareness
Victims are advised to verify claims through official protocols and report incidents promptly to facilitate potential fund recovery. The use of police uniforms, forged documents, and staged video calls is a common tactic to enhance the credibility of such schemes.
Investigation and Conclusion
Authorities continue to investigate the case, highlighting the need for public awareness to counter evolving cyber fraud methods. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance against digital scams and the critical role of official verification in preventing financial exploitation.
FAQs
How can I verify if a video call from an official is genuine?
Always contact the relevant authority directly through official contact details to confirm the legitimacy of the request.
What should I do if I fall victim to a scam?
Report the incident immediately to local police and your bank to initiate fund recovery procedures.
Are government agencies allowed to request payments via video calls?
No, genuine government agencies do not solicit payments through digital channels or request sensitive information like Aadhaar numbers or OTPs.
About Author
English