PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Cyber fraudsters are targeting senior citizens by posing as NIA officials, senior police officers and other government officials, officials said. The fraudsters are using fake allegations of bomb blasts, money laundering and other serious crimes to scare people and steal their money. Recently, two cases of digital arrest targeting senior citizens were registered in Dehradun.
The Special Task Force senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said that the fraudsters first tell victims that their Aadhaar, mobile number or bank account has been linked to a serious crime. They then make video calls while wearing police or NIA-like uniforms and show fake government offices and documents, he said.
Singh said that the callers threaten victims with digital arrest and create fear of legal action. They later ask for money in the name of investigation, account verification or removing the victim’s name from the case.
He warned that digital arrest is not a legal process. “Genuine investigation agencies do not ask people to transfer money during a video call or investigation. People should not share OTPs, PINs, bank details, Aadhaar, PAN or other personal information with unknown callers,” Singh said.
He said if anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud should call the cybercrime helpline 1930 and report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
