How Did an ONGC Official in Ahmedabad Lose Rs 1.36 Crore in a ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, a senior ONGC employee in Ahmedabad fell victim to a sophisticated digital fraud scheme, losing Rs 1.36 crore. Cybercriminals impersonating government officials exploited her fear to carry out this scam, prompting authorities to reiterate the need for vigilance against such schemes.
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime continues to escalate, targeting unsuspecting individuals.
- Fraudsters often impersonate government officials to instill fear and manipulate victims.
- Vigilance is crucial; never share sensitive information over unsolicited calls.
- Report suspicious calls to the Cyber Crime Cell immediately.
- Educate yourself on common scams to stay informed and protected.
Ahmedabad, June 22 (NationPress) Despite numerous public warnings from Cyber Crime experts, digital fraud syndicates persist in deceiving unaware individuals using the pretense of reputable central agencies like TRAI, CBI, and the Enforcement Directorate. In a notable incident, a woman employed as a senior assistant at ONGC in Ahmedabad was swindled out of an astonishing Rs 1.36 crore by cybercriminals masquerading as government officials.
The victim, named Triveni Patel, hailing from the Gota locality in Ahmedabad, was coerced into transferring substantial amounts of money following a false accusation of money laundering.
The deception commenced on May 31, when she received a call from an unidentified number claiming to represent the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller warned her that her phone services would be terminated within two hours. Soon after, another individual, dressed in police attire and impersonating a CBI officer, contacted her via video call.
He claimed that Rs 2 crore of “black money” had been found in her Canara Bank account, which was linked to her Aadhaar card.
To enhance their credibility, the fraudsters sent her a forged Supreme Court-stamped letter through WhatsApp and displayed what seemed to be a live courtroom video, with a person masquerading as a judge instructing her to comply.
Out of fear of arrest and legal repercussions, Triveni complied with their demands to substantiate her innocence. She was told that the Reserve Bank of India needed to verify her funds, under which guise she transferred Rs 36 lakh from her own account. The fraudsters further coerced her into additional transfers, ultimately extracting a total of Rs 1.36 crore, which included withdrawals from her mother's bank account and fixed deposits.
The scam came to light only when the fraudsters urged her to procure money by selling her house, leading Triveni to confide in her relatives. Recognizing the fraud, she sought assistance from the Cyber Crime Cell, which has since initiated a thorough investigation.
Authorities have once again urged the public to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls, especially those purporting to represent central agencies. “No government agency requests personal financial transactions over phone or video calls,” stated a senior cybercrime officer. Investigations are underway to trace the digital trail of the involved gang.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding digital fraud. This incident serves as a stark reminder that vigilance is essential in our increasingly digital world. We must advocate for stronger protective measures and awareness campaigns to safeguard citizens against such scams.
NationPress
22/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the ONGC official in Ahmedabad?
The ONGC official, Triveni Patel, was defrauded of Rs 1.36 crore by cybercriminals posing as government officials.
How did the scammers manipulate the victim?
The scammers manipulated Triveni by falsely accusing her of money laundering and pressuring her into transferring large sums of money.
What preventative measures are authorities suggesting?
Authorities advise citizens to be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to represent government agencies, emphasizing that no government body requests financial transactions via phone or video calls.
What steps are being taken to investigate the fraud?
The Cyber Crime Cell has registered a case and is conducting a thorough investigation to track the digital footprint of the fraudsters.
How can individuals protect themselves from similar scams?
Individuals can protect themselves by verifying the identity of callers, avoiding sharing personal financial information, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
