How Did Cybercriminals Deceive a Gwalior Resident of Rs 7.10 Lakh?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a shocking incident, a retired government official in Gwalior lost over Rs 7 lakh to cybercriminals posing as law enforcement. This case raises serious concerns about digital security and the tactics used by fraudsters. Learn how this elaborate scheme unfolded and what it means for online safety.
Key Takeaways
- Be vigilant about unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement.
- Verify the identity of anyone asking for personal information.
- Always question the legitimacy of requests for money transfers.
- Educate yourself about common cybercrime tactics.
- Report suspicious activities to the authorities immediately.
Bhopal, Aug 6 (NationPress) A retired government official from Madhya Pradesh residing in Gwalior has unfortunately fallen prey to cybercrime, losing over Rs 7 lakh after being held in a state of digital arrest for nearly 22 hours, according to police reports released on Wednesday.
The scammers, posing as Crime Branch officers, reached out to Avneesh Chandra, a former employee of the Dairy Department in Madhya Pradesh, via a WhatsApp call. They claimed that his mobile SIM card was about to be deactivated due to multiple SIM cards being registered under a single Aadhaar ID.
According to the Gwalior Police, the impersonators informed the victim that a mobile SIM linked to his Aadhaar ID was involved in a Hawala transaction amounting to over Rs 700 crore into a bank based in Delhi, which prompted an investigation by the Crime Branch.
The caller, pretending to be a senior officer, stated that several bank accounts linked to the transaction lacked essential details, including income tax verification.
During this digital arrest, the criminals managed to access the victim's bank information under the pretense of conducting an inquiry, ultimately swindling him out of Rs 7.10 lakh.
In a complaint lodged recently at the local police station, the victim revealed that he was instructed to transfer Rs 7.10 lakh into a bank account belonging to an individual in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The fraudsters assured him that the funds would be sent to the RBI for an ongoing investigation and would be returned to his bank account if no discrepancies were found.
After waiting a few days without receiving his money back, Avneesh Chandra decided to file a complaint with the Gwalior police.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Krishna Lalchandani confirmed that a case has been registered and an inquiry will commence shortly.
This incident mirrors a previous case from April when Swami Supradiptananda, the secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, lost Rs 2.5 crore after being digitally held for 26 days. During that period, he was virtually confined through video calls and coerced into transferring funds to multiple bank accounts across the nation.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight the growing threat of cybercrime in our society. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of remaining vigilant and informed in a digital world. We stand with the victims and urge the authorities to take stringent actions against such fraudulent activities.
NationPress
09/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a cyber scam?
Common signs include unsolicited calls about your personal information, urgency in transferring funds, and threats of legal action. Always verify the identity of the caller before taking any action.
How can I protect myself from cybercrime?
Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about sharing personal information online. Regularly monitor your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
What should I do if I fall victim to cybercrime?
Immediately report the incident to your local police and your bank. Document all communications and transactions related to the scam for evidence.
Are there any resources for reporting cybercrime?
Yes, you can report cybercrime to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in India or your local law enforcement agency.
How prevalent is cybercrime in India?
Cybercrime is increasingly common in India, with cases rising sharply each year. Awareness and education are crucial for prevention.
