HIGHLIGHTS

The fraudulent scheme commenced when the individual received a phone call from someone posing as a TRAI officer.

The caller accused the victim of disseminating false advertisements and allegedly involving his mobile number in illegal activities.

Subsequently, another person contacted the victim, claiming to be an officer from the Delhi Cybercrime unit.

Consider the unsettling scenario of receiving a phone call from someone who claims to be a representative of a respected agency, warning you about grave legal allegations. Such a situation can induce panic, compelling one to do anything necessary to avoid legal repercussions. Regrettably, this was the unfortunate reality for a retired officer hailing from Ranchi, Jharkhand, who fell prey to a deceitful scheme, resulting in a staggering loss of Rs 2.27 crore within a mere 11 days.

This retired officer, who once served at Coal India, became the target of cybercriminals masquerading as officials from various governmental bodies. The sordid saga began on December 10, 2024, when he received a distressing phone call from an individual introducing himself as Abhiraj Shukla, an officer of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). In a meticulously crafted ruse, the caller accused the victim of propagating misleading information and alleged that his mobile number was linked to illicit activities. In spite of fervent denials from the officer, the caller insisted that his personal documents had been misused and threatened him with imminent arrest for money laundering.

For additional insights, you might find this article useful: Delhi man loses Rs 9 lakh to fraudsters posing as electricity department officials.

Following the initial call, the victim was contacted by a woman named Poonam Gupta, who claimed to be an officer from the Delhi Cybercrime branch. She instructed him to engage his mobile camera for identification verification and went on to assure him that collaborating with them would resolve his issues. In a harrowing turn of events, the officer found himself tethered to an ongoing series of video calls with various individuals, including one impersonating a senior IPS officer, for a continuous span of 11 days.

The persistent manipulation by the scammers led him to transfer his entire life savings—amounting to Rs 2.27 crore—across eight distinct bank accounts. The funds originated from both his and his wife’s accounts, which they had painstakingly saved over the years. Post the elaborate transfers, the fraudsters severed all communication, effectively blocking the officer’s number. It was only after recognizing the magnitude of his loss that the victim promptly reported the scam.

For another case highlighting the perils of cyber scams, refer to this link: Bengaluru software engineer loses Rs 1.2cr in courier scam: Here’s what happened.

How to Safeguard Yourself from Similar Scams

• Verify the Caller’s Identity: Always verify the legitimacy of anyone claiming affiliation with an official organization. Reach out by using verified contact numbers rather than those provided by the caller.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Refrain from disclosing sensitive information such as banking details or personal documents over the phone or online.
• Be Wary of Coercive Threats: Scammers often resort to threats to rush you into making hasty decisions. Take a pause to consider the situation and, if possible, consult a trusted individual.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter dubious phone calls, report them to the relevant authorities without delay.