Shillong, Feb 1: There are numerous methods adopted by online scammers to dupe gullible people of their money. Even the ‘smart’ ones are not spared by the smarter scammers! However, there are some common ways the scammers use to break the ice with their potential targets. The state police have disclosed some modus operandi, warning people not to be persuaded by “digital arrest” threat.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, East Khasi Hills district police chief Vivek Syiem narrated some of the common storylines adopted by the scammers to commit online fraud.
Numerous victims of online fraud get a call claiming to be from FedEx that a suspicious parcel containing illegal items (such as drugs or weapons) has been intercepted and is linked to their name or address. The scammers then escalate the situation by connecting the victim to the police/CBI/ED/NIA, who threaten arrest unless the victim cooperates.
Sometimes the scammers resort to claiming a family member has been arrested or is involved in criminal activity. They often demand immediate financial assistance to secure the release of the family member or to avoid further legal complications.
Another means used to make the first approach is accusing victims of having their Aadhaar number or phone number misused for illegal activities. The scammers create a narrative that the victim is implicated in crimes like money laundering or human trafficking, pressuring them to pay fines to clear their name.
Some chosen victims also receive calls alleging that their phone number has been used to share explicit content. Scammers may claim that an FIR has been filed against them and demand payment to clear their name and avoid arrest.
In some cases, scammers conduct fake video calls where they impersonate as judges or legal officials, presenting fabricated court documents and Non Bailable Warrant of Arrest. They threaten the victim with legal action and demand payment to avoid arrest or further legal troubles.
The scammers sometimes have the audacity to accuse the victim of being under investigation for financial fraud, such as money laundering or tax evasion by showing the victim his own AADHAR card (which has been compromised by the victim himself). The scammers use intimidation tactics, claiming that failure to cooperate will result in immediate arrest.
Narrating the common modus operandi of online fraud, the SP urged the people to be cautious while receiving unknown numbers and not divulge any private or banking information.
“For those whose bank details have been compromised, they may call 1930 immediately or submit their complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or at sancharsaathi.gov.in,” the SP said.
