We’ve all received suspicious calls claiming to be from government officials or organizations, but how many of us would actually fall for it? A recent incident in Ahmedabad serves as a stark reminder of how cyber fraudsters are getting more creative. A 25-year-old chartered accountant (CA) from Naranpura lost approximately Rs 3 lakh after being scammed by a fraudster posing as an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The complainant received a call in early December from someone claiming to be from TRAI. The caller informed him that multiple SIM cards linked to his Aadhaar card were being used for illegal activities. To intensify the urgency, the fraudster connected him to another person, who introduced himself as an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch. This officer, appearing on a video call, further intimidated the CA by asserting that a legal case had been filed against him with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
To convince the CA of the seriousness of the matter, the fraudster sent a letter containing legal case details, as reported by TOI. The CA was presented with two options: either visit the Mumbai Crime Branch in person or stay in touch with the officer via phone calls. The fraudster then insisted that he needed to transfer money to verify whether it was “crime money.”
Trusting the man, the CA followed the instructions and transferred Rs 2.92 lakh on December 1 and 2. It was only after the money was sent that the CA realized he had been tricked and approached the police.
How to Protect Yourself from Such Scams
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, always verify the identity of the caller, especially if they claim to be from a government agency. Never share personal or financial information over the phone and be skeptical of any urgent requests for money.
Stay informed about the latest scams by visiting Looffers.com. Our platform provides valuable insights and tips on how to protect yourself from fraudsters. Stay safe and vigilant!
