Bhopal: Cyber Fraudsters Trap Couple in Digital House Arrest for an Entire Night
Fraudsters used a convincing ruse to digitally imprison a couple in Bhopal, demanding their bank details and threatening severe consequences.
Cyber FraudDigital House ArrestBhopalCyber CrimeFraudstersReal Estate MaharashtraNov 19, 2024
According to the crime branch, the couple received a phone call on Sunday night from someone claiming to be from DHL shipping company. The fraudsters informed them that a parcel had been booked in Farukh Khan's name, destined for Bangkok. They had access to the couple’s Aadhaar card number, which they used to lend credibility to their claims. The parcel, they said, contained tiger skins and nails, 12 fake passports, and other illegal items.
When Farukh Khan expressed skepticism and refused to go to Delhi airport, the fraudsters escalated the situation by connecting him to a fake Delhi cyber cell via a Skype video call. They set up a convincing fake cyber cell and showed the couple a fake parcel. The fraudsters demanded Farukh's bank details and warned him and his wife not to call anyone, keeping them on the video call for the entire night.
The following morning, Farukh Khan, while using his other mobile phone, discovered news about a digital arrest. Suspecting foul play, he rushed to the district cyber crime police station, disconnecting the fraudsters' call in the process. Once at the police station, Farukh attempted to reconnect with the fraudsters. They immediately scolded him for disconnecting the call and demanded a 360-degree view of his surroundings. However, when Farukh informed them that he was at a real cyber cell office, the fraudsters abruptly hung up and blocked his number.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Mukhtar Qureshi confirmed the incident and stated that an FIR has been registered in the cyber cell. The investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the fraudsters. This case highlights the increasing sophistication and boldness of cyber criminals in executing their schemes, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and vigilance.
The Bhopal police have also issued a warning to the public, urging citizens to be cautious of unsolicited calls and to verify any suspicious information with official sources. The use of personal information, such as Aadhaar card numbers, by fraudsters underscores the importance of protecting one's personal data.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cyber crimes and the need for robust cybersecurity measures, both at the individual and organizational levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the couple in Bhopal?
The couple, Farukh Khan and Maria Khan, were digitally arrested in their home in Kohefiza, Bhopal, by cyber fraudsters who accused them of illegal salmon smuggling.
How did the fraudsters gain the couple's trust?
The fraudsters used Farukh Khan's Aadhaar card number and set up a convincing fake Delhi cyber cell via Skype to gain the couple's trust.
What did the fraudsters demand from the couple?
The fraudsters demanded Farukh Khan's bank details and kept the couple on a video call for the entire night, warning them not to call anyone.
How did the couple realize it was a scam?
Farukh Khan discovered news about a digital arrest on his other mobile phone the next morning, which made him suspect foul play.
What action did the police take?
An FIR was registered in the cyber cell, and the Bhopal police issued a warning to the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls and to verify suspicious information with official sources.
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