An IIT Bombay student fell prey to cyber fraud or a digital scam after a con artist posed as a Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) official, dumping him of ₹ 7.29 lakh. The scam, called a “digital scam,” is a rising menace in which criminals impersonate law enforcement or government personnel to extort money from unsuspecting people.
In July, the 25-year-old student received a call from an unknown dial, stating that his mobile number was associated with 17 illegal activities. The caller, who claimed to be a TRAI employee, said his number would be deactivated unless he acquired a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the police. He was then connected to someone posing as a Cyber Crime Branch officer through a WhatsApp video.
IIT Bombay student was even warned of digital scam by the scammers to gain his trust
During the video call, the student was accused by a man in police attire of indulging in money laundering. Due to the duress he faced, he divulged his Aadhaar number and sent ₹ 29,500 via UPI. The scammers even warned him of a “digital arrest,” which is nothing but a way to extort the victim through intimidation.
The fraud was taken to another level the following day. They demanded more payments and forced the student to give them his bank account information. Then, they took ₹ 7 lakh from his account, claiming he would be saved from legal hassles. Before the victim knew it, the money was gone.
The victim, after losing a huge sum, reached out to the police. Police are investigating at the Powai station. The authorities advise citizens to be cautious and not share information when unknown people ring up and offer something in place of money, asking for personal details for verification purposes.
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