Chandigarh:
Cybercriminals increasingly target unsuspecting citizens through Telegram, exploiting the messaging platform to perpetrate fraud. In one such case, a resident of Hisar, Haryana, fell prey to a sophisticated scam, losing a staggering ₹8,91,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scheme. However, swift action by the Haryana Police led to the arrest of the fraudsters, preventing further victims.
Modus Operandi: A Web of Deceit
The victim, Bajrang, was lured into the scam through a Telegram channel promising high returns on cryptocurrency investments. Once hooked, the fraudsters, operating under the alias “CAPTAIN AMERICA,” guided Bajrang to transfer funds into bogus bank accounts. These accounts were procured by an accomplice, Sahil, a bank employee, who sold them to the fraudsters for ₹25,000 each.
Unraveling the Scam: A Collaborative Effort
When Bajrang realized he had been scammed, he immediately reported the incident to the Cyber Helpline (1930). Recognizing the urgency, the state’s Cyber Chief, ADGP OP Singh, promptly directed the Cyber Nodal Thana to investigate the matter.
A joint team comprising the State Nodal Cyber Thana and the Haryana Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (HC4) began meticulously tracing the fraudulent transactions. Their efforts led to the arrest of three individuals:
Chirag, son of Ved, resident of Hisar: The primary perpetrator who received the funds from Bajrang.
Sahil, son of Satish, resident of Hisar: The bank employee who sold the bogus accounts.
Mohit, son of Mohan, resident of Fazilka, Punjab: The accomplice who connected with “CAPTAIN AMERICA” and facilitated the scam.
Preventive Measures: Vigilance is Key
ADGP OP Singh urges caution, emphasizing that greed often fuels such cyber frauds. He advises against joining unknown Telegram groups or investing based on mere promises of high returns. Before investing, individuals should thoroughly research and verify the legitimacy of the platform or scheme.
Reporting Cyber Frauds: Seek Timely Assistance
If you suspect you have fallen victim to a cyber fraud, do not hesitate to report it immediately. The Cyber Helpline (1930) is available 24/7 to assist you. Timely action can help minimize losses and bring perpetrators to justice.
