Online Fraud of 1 Crore Rupees Case Registered On the Name of Custom Duty
A retired government officer from the Padhar area in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh has been cheated of Rs 1 crore. A case has been opened at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Mandi district following a complaint filed by the retired government employee.
Here’s how the fraud unfolded
In Mandi district, scammers swindled a retired officer of Rs 1 crore. Initially, they convinced him for paying Rs 20 lakh by claiming it was for customs duty on gifts sent from abroad. Later, acting as embassy officials, they promised to return his 20 lakh money and managed to extort another Rs 80 lakh from him.
Cyber Crime Case History
A case has been filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Mandi district following a complaint by a retired government official from the Padhar area. According to the complainant filed by his, he got in touch with a foreign lady on social media platform, who sent him gifts. The scammers initially deceived him of around Rs 20 lakh under the pretext of various taxes to clear the gifts from customs department. Subsequently, another individual, claiming to be an embassy employee, cheated him of Rs 80 lakh, assuring that the Rs 20 lakh would be refunded as soon as he deposit 80 lakh.
Meanwhile, DG CID S.R. Ojha stated that the police are actively looking into the case. He urged everyone to be alert of cyber fraud. In the event of falling victim to such cases, he advised to contact 1930 or the nearest police station as soon as possible for sure assistance.
Investment Fraud
Fraud in the name of investment is also on the rise these days and become very common. Scammers are targeting retired officers and innocent employees by offering them promises of high returns in a short span of time period. These fraudsters usually add people in social media groups, where they become greedy into fraudulent investment schemes. After retirement or in the middle of job, many people search to invest the money they have earned, which is when these scammers exploit them. It is very crucial to briefly verify all information and conduct proper research before making any investments to avoid victim of such scams.
Fraud cases
In Mandi Cyber Police Station, a retired officer of Hamirpur district was cheated of about Rupees 73 lakh by showing digital arrest.
A retired executive engineer from Mandi district was cheated of Rs 20 lakh by fraudsters who lured him into buying shares and IPOs at discounted prices through social media. The scammers convinced him to invest, promising high returns, and eventually defrauded him of the money.
In May 2024, four cases have been registered in the Cyber Crime Police Station in Mandi after complaints of fraud amounting to nearly Rs 1.97 crore. The fraudsters lured victims into investing in the stock market or purchasing low price shares via social media platforms, deceiving them of their money.
In October 2024, a fraud case involving Rs 36.50 lakh was registered against scammers who targeted a retired employee from Kullu district of HP. The fraudsters falsely accused him of being involved in child pornography, using this scenario to steal money from him.
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud Cases Happening in the Name of Customs Duty:
- Avoid Contacting Unknown Person Via Social Media: Do not talk with individuals you do not know previously, as fraudsters often use social media platform to start scams.
- Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Order/Parcel Messages: If you receive details regarding a parcel arriving that you did not place the order, it is likely to be a scam.
- Customs Does Not Ask for Fees through Phone or Messages: Be alert—legitimate customs department employee will never ask for payment over the phone.
- Do Not Share Personal Details: Never share personal information such as bank account numbers, passwords, or identification details when receiving similar calls or messages.
- Stay Calm and Inform the Officials: If you receive a suspicious call or message, do not panic. Instantly report such cases to the police.
- Be Cautious of Cyber Fraud: Always be vigilant and aware from potential online scammers.
- Get in Touch with Official if Victimized: If you become a victim of fraud, contact instantly on 1930, or visit https://cybercrime.gov.in or your near by police station for help.