Mumbai, October 24: A digital arrest scam was caught live on camera, revealing the audacity of cybercriminals impersonating a police officer, attempting to extort money from a man by threatening him with arrest. The interaction, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by reporter Vijay Patel, reveals the alarming tactics employed by cybercriminals to deceive unsuspecting victims. The scammer claimed that the victim’s mobile number was implicated in harassment and financial fraud and warned that it would be blocked within four hours unless immediate action was taken.
This call, made in the name of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, was merely the beginning of a harrowing experience. They instructed him to either visit the Lucknow police station in Uttar Pradesh or to record his statement via a WhatsApp video call. Choosing the latter option, he found himself confronted by a scammer dressed in a police uniform situated in a makeshift police station. As the call progressed, the scammer, mimicking an authoritative figure, referenced Nawab Malik, a former minister embroiled in a high-profile money laundering case, further instilling fear in the victim. Scroll down to know what happens next. ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam in Uttar Pradesh: Woman in Sonbhadra Loses INR 2.9 Lakh to Cyber Criminals, 1 Accused Arrested.
The Case Explained
The fraudulent officer insisted that Patel provide a 360-degree view of his surroundings to confirm he was alone, further deepening the illusion of legitimacy. He then began to inquire about the victim’s Aadhaar card, instructing him on how to safeguard it against illegal use. Meanwhile, the scammers printed a fake document that appeared to come from the Supreme Court and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), lending a false authenticity to their scheme. Digital Arrest Scam in Madhya Pradesh: Woman Faces 5-Day ‘Digital Arrest’ in Indore, Loses INR 46 Lakh to Cyber Fraudsters.
Digital Arrest Scam Caught on Camera Live:
2. First I received a call from an unknown number informing me that my mobile numbers would be blocked in the next 4 hours as they were being used for harassment and financial fraud.
Scammers make this call in the name of Telecom regularity of India.
— Vijay Patel🇮🇳 (@vijaygajera) October 24, 2024
Fraudsters Produce Fake Letter:
8. Here is the fake letter in which they used my name and Aadhar card number, which they asked me for at the beginning of this call, but they still made a spelling mistake!
Kya Scammer Banenge ye log! pic.twitter.com/kE8QpV5d7E
— Vijay Patel🇮🇳 (@vijaygajera) October 24, 2024
Digital Fraudster Links Victim to Nawab Malik:
10. They found my connection with Nawab Malik in a money laundering case!🥲
Actually, this is a trick to know how many bank accounts you have and how much money you have in them so they can clean it!
Listen to this conversation. pic.twitter.com/BKYjdmAAf5
— Vijay Patel🇮🇳 (@vijaygajera) October 24, 2024
In a particularly intriguing turn, the scammer used a walkie-talkie to confer with “headquarters,” where the tone shifted dramatically as he claimed Patel was linked to Nawab Malik, a former minister embroiled in a money laundering scandal. This tactic was evidently a ploy to extract information about the victim’s bank accounts, as Malik’s case had garnered significant media attention since his arrest in 2022.
As the conversation progressed, the scammer delved into Patel’s banking habits, inquiring whether he used UPI apps or net banking. The pressure mounted as the impersonated police officer stated that Patel must transfer all available funds from his accounts, assuring him that the money would be returned if he proved his innocence.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Oct 24, 2024 06:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
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