1. 82-Year-Old Mumbai Woman Defrauded of ₹1.3 Crore

Date: February 27, 2025

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Details: An 82-year-old woman in Mumbai was duped of ₹1.3 crore by fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Supreme Court. The scammers accused her of money laundering and coerced her into transferring funds over a fortnight under the pretext of a ‘judicial inquiry’.

Modus Operandi: The fraudsters used official titles and documents to intimidate the victim, alleging her involvement in illegal activities. They conducted video calls with individuals in police uniforms to add credibility, convincing her to transfer her savings to purportedly secure accounts.

Preventive Measures: Individuals should verify unsolicited calls from authorities by contacting official channels directly. Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone, and consult family members or legal advisors before making significant financial decisions.

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2. Family Duped of ₹1 Crore in Surat ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Date: November 29, 2024

Location: Surat, Gujarat

Details: A 90-year-old man in Surat lost ₹1.15 crore after fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers accused him of drug trafficking and money laundering. They placed him under a fake ‘digital arrest’ for 15 days, during which they siphoned off his funds. Five individuals connected to the racket were arrested, with links traced to a gang operating from China.

Modus Operandi: Scammers impersonated law enforcement officials, fabricated charges against the victim, and imposed a ‘digital arrest’ to isolate him. They extracted personal and financial information, facilitating unauthorized transfers from his account.

Preventive Measures: Be skeptical of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers. Verify their identity through official contact information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or making financial transactions under pressure.

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3. Retired Odisha Doctor Loses ₹1 Crore in Cyber Fraud

Date: November 28, 2024

Location: Berhampur, Odisha

Details: A 66-year-old retired doctor was defrauded of ₹1 crore by scammers impersonating TRAI officials and Mumbai Cyber Crime personnel. They accused him of involvement in illegal activities and coerced him into transferring his savings for verification. The Odisha Crime Investigation Department arrested a Telangana-based scammer linked to the fraud.

Modus Operandi: Impersonating regulatory and law enforcement officials, fraudsters intimidated the victim with false allegations, compelling him to transfer funds under the guise of verification.

Preventive Measures: Always verify the credentials of individuals claiming to be officials. Refrain from transferring funds based on unsolicited calls or threats. Report suspicious communications to local authorities promptly.

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4. Crypto Scam Arrest in Oklahoma

Date: November 13, 2024

Location: Oklahoma, USA

Details: A 77-year-old woman with Parkinson’s Disease was scammed out of $20,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin fraud. The scammer posed as a federal agent, convincing her to withdraw her savings and deposit them into a Bitcoin ATM under the pretense of protecting her funds from identity theft.

Modus Operandi: The scammer exploited the victim’s fear of identity theft, posing as a federal agent to gain trust. They instructed her to convert her savings into cryptocurrency, which is harder to trace and recover.

Preventive Measures: Be cautious of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be government officials. Verify their identity through official channels. Avoid making financial transactions, especially involving cryptocurrency, based on unsolicited advice or threats.

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5. Hospital CCTV Hack in India

Date: February 15, 2025

Location: New Delhi, India

Details: A prominent hospital in New Delhi reported a cyberattack where hackers infiltrated the hospital’s CCTV system. The breach compromised patient privacy and raised concerns about the security of critical healthcare infrastructure.

Modus Operandi: Cybercriminals exploited vulnerabilities in the hospital’s network to gain unauthorized access to the CCTV system, potentially for data theft or ransom.

Preventive Measures: Healthcare institutions should regularly update and patch their security systems, conduct routine security audits, and train staff on cybersecurity protocols to prevent unauthorized access.

These incidents highlight the increasing sophistication of cybercrimes targeting individuals and institutions. Vigilance, verification of unsolicited communications, and adherence to cybersecurity best practices are essential to mitigate such threats.

📞 Cybercrime Helpline: Dial 1930 (Available 24/7)
🌐 Report Online: www.cybercrime.gov.in
🏦 Bank Fraud: Contact your bank’s customer care and RBI Ombudsman at www.rbi.org.in
📩 Fake Trading/Investment Scams: Report to SEBI via www.scores.gov.in