‘Fake passports, drugs links and wireless sounds’; How a woman philanthropist was duped over a phone call

NEW DELHI: The art of cybercrime often lies in its power to deceive, with scammers constantly evolving tactics to ensnare unsuspecting victims. In a recent case, a philanthropic professional found herself swindled of nearly Rs three lakh in just five hours, in an operation that displayed a higher level of sophistication by cyber thugs.

The victim, referred to as Mahima (name changed), a resident of Dwarka, received a call from an unfamiliar number around 11 a.m. on July 25. An automated message, claiming her parcel was set to be returned, prompted her to press "1." Assuming it was related to her frequent e-commerce orders, she complied.

However, as soon as she pressed the digit, a live person entered the call, alleging that the parcel sent in her name contained illegal items, including multiple passports, drugs, and clothing. According to the police FIR registered at Dwarka cyber police station, the caller asserted that these items were linked to "terror outfits." Mahima was instructed to file a complaint with the Mumbai Police urgently, to which she agreed. Moments later, the call was transferred to another person.

“I got terrified, I was told by the person that I should register a complaint with Mumbai Police to avoid any problem in future. I agreed to his suggestion. The call got transferred to another person,” read the complaint. (IANS)

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