A Noida doctor was the victim of a cyber scam and lost Rs 60 lakh after being placed under digital arrest by fraudsters. In accordance with Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita sections 308(2) [extortion], 319(2) [impersonation], and 318(4) [cheating], as well as relevant provisions of the IT Act, the police filed a case against the unidentified suspects.

The incident brings attention to the nation's growing number of cybercrimes.

A 77-year-old fell victim to a similar fraud and lost a massive Rs 1.2 crore.

How this fraud happened

The investigation states that the accused, acting as a member of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), called Dr. Pooja Goel, a resident of Sector 77. The caller said that illicit obscene recordings had been purchased using a cell phone number under her name. In the course of an inquiry into money laundering, the fraudster further hinted at her name.

The fraudster threatened to issue an arrest warrant if she didn't transfer all of her money, according to the police.

"The callers instructed her to join a video call, during which they employed various threats, placing her under 'digital arrest'. They menaced her with potential harm to her and her family, including the abduction of her daughter," ACP stated.

The doctor ultimately transferred Rs 59,54,000 from her bank account to the scammers' between July 15 and July 16 in order to comply with their demands.

Advice on staying secure

Avoid answering opportunistic calls and messages. Refrain against giving financial or personal details to strangers over the phone or via suspicious connections.

Check to make sure requests are legitimate: Verify information through official channels if you are asked for money or personal information out of the blue.

Become knowledgeable: Attend awareness events or read internet resources to stay up to date on the newest frauds and hazards related to cyberspace.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)