Despite constant warnings from banks, government agencies, and corporates about the growing threat of online scams, many individuals continue to fall victim to these digital frauds. Recently, two retired government officials from Noida were scammed out of Rs. 2.87 crore, one through a digital arrest scam and the other via a forex trading fraud. Authorities have now launched criminal investigations into both incidents, hoping to curb the increasing number of cybercrime cases.
 

The digital arrest scam involved a 74-year-old retired official who received continuous threats from impersonators posing as CBI officers. The scammers falsely accused him of money laundering and presented fake documents, including court orders and videos, to convince him of the legitimacy of their claims. They even managed to get him to transfer Rs. 1.08 crore from his bank account before a vigilant bank officer intervened. In a separate scam, a 61-year-old retired ONGC official was tricked into investing in foreign currency trading through a Facebook friend request. He ended up losing Rs. 1.79 crore after making several payments into a fraudulent account. Police are actively investigating both cases and have urged the public to be more cautious when sharing personal information or making online payments.
 

4 Lessons to Be Learned:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited calls: No bank or government agency will ever ask for sensitive financial information over the phone.
2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Never click on links sent by strangers on social media or email, even if they appear legitimate.
3. Beware of manipulated voice calls: Fraudsters may use altered audio to impersonate family members or friends, pressuring victims into sending money.
4. Don't fall for fake delivery scams: Scammers may pretend to be from courier services, claiming packages are being held unless a small payment is made.