Vigilant elderly person realizes scam call and alerts police
Hyderabad: A 76-year-old retired employee from Hyderabad received a fake WhatsApp video call from an unidentified person posing as Alambagh police in Lucknow.
Using the retired person’s Aadhaar card, the fraudsters opened bank accounts and intimidated the victim to close his fixed deposits worth Rs. 10.68 lakh in a nationalized bank in Hyderabad, and transfer the amount to them through RTGS in three separate transactions.
When the victim suspected it was a scam, he called cybercrime helpline number 1930 and reported it to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. He then lodged a complaint for help. The elderly person's alertness not only prevented a major cybercrime but also protected him from being duped by fraudsters, according to Hyderabad cyber crimes police.
In a public advisory, the police said if a call raises suspicions, individuals should end it immediately and without any fear report the matter at near police station without engaging further.
The people should be careful of FedEx, BSNL and TRAI fraud calls. Scammers can employ psychological tactics to manipulate emotions and decision-making. Do not deposit money to the unknown bank accounts believing false promises of unknown persons, according to police.
Law enforcement officials do not initiate contact through Skype calls and insist on money transfer for clearing the issues. In case they become victims of cyber financial fraud, they are advised to report the same immediately by dialing the Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930 or by visiting cybercrime.gov.in.
In case of any emergency of cyber frauds reach out to call or Whatsapp 8712665171, https://www.facebook.com/cybercrimepolice.gov.in, https://www.instagram.com/cybercrimepshyd/, and https://x.com/CyberCrimeshyd.