Retired Himachal Officer Scammed ₹33 Lakh in One-Month Digital Scam

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A 64-year-old retired officer from Himachal Pradesh fell victim to a prolonged cyber fraud scheme involving false legal claims, losing ₹33 lakh over a month.

The Scam Unfolds

A 64-year-old retired officer from Dheera tehsil in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district was reportedly subjected to a prolonged cyber fraud scheme involving false claims of legal proceedings. Scammers impersonated representatives from a telecommunications company, law enforcement agencies, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), coercing the victim into transferring ₹33 lakh over a period of nearly one month.

Impersonation and Threats

The fraudsters allegedly threatened to link the individual to a ₹6.8 crore money laundering case, leveraging the fear of legal consequences to maintain control. A second suspect reportedly posed as an IPS officer, demanding ₹70 lakh as a settlement fee for the fabricated case. Another impersonator, claiming to be a CBI official, asserted that surveillance teams had been deployed to monitor the victim’s movements.

Coercion and Financial Demands

The victim was compelled to provide frequent updates on his location and activities, with fraudsters using deceptive justifications such as account verification to pressure him into transferring funds. On August 12, the victim transferred ₹4 lakh via RTGS to an account specified by the perpetrators. A second transaction of ₹29 lakh followed on August 20, after which the scam continued until August 28.

Discovery and Aftermath

On that date, communication from the fraudsters abruptly ceased, prompting the victim to recognize the deception. Authorities have issued warnings against individuals posing as official representatives and making extortionate demands under the guise of investigations.

They emphasized that any requests for financial transactions related to alleged legal issues should be met with skepticism. Victims are advised to refrain from sharing sensitive information such as one-time passwords, bank details, or personal identifiers with unverified parties. Documentation of suspicious interactions, including call records, transaction histories, and communication logs, is critical for reporting and investigation. Independent verification of claims through official channels is strongly recommended to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.