Beware of Digital Scams: A Bengaluru Woman Defrauded Rs 32 Crore
The Startling Phone Call
In September 2024, an unsuspecting 57-year-old Bengaluru woman received a call that would alter her world. It came cloaked in a guise of urgency and authority— a caller claiming to be from DHL, informing her of a package booked in her name containing purported illegal items. Four passports, three credit cards, and the controlled substance MDMA. It was the unsettling beginning of a six-month-long ordeal.
A Game of Deception
Despite her protests of ignorance, the swift transition from the purported DHL officer to self-proclaimed CBI officials cornered her into panic. Each new caller seemed to possess an uncanny knowledge of her personal life, leading her to believe her identity had been compromised in a major cybercrime. The fear of arrest and the well-being of her family became the shackles that bound her to their deception.
Coerced Under Constant Surveillance
Pervasive surveillance became the norm as the scammers directed her to install two Skype IDs. A mysterious figure who called himself Mohit Handa kept a watchful eye on her through her laptop camera. The impersonators laid out an intricate trap by involving yet another fictitious character, “CBI officer Pradeep Singh”. His language was hostile, rife with threats of dire consequences if she failed to prove her innocence.
Manipulating Trust and Fear
The victim’s trust was her vulnerability. The scammers had manipulated it with fabricated letters and fake assurances, continuously demanding her financial compliance as they coerced the details of her assets. What she did not realize was that the more they learned, the more her credibility eroded in her own eyes, leaving her isolated and lost.
Drained of Resources
Her surveillance extended over months, pushing her into a relentless cycle of submission as she transferred nearly Rs 32 crore in her attempt to reclaim her innocence. March 25, 2025, dawned as a day of stark silence when the calls ceased, leaving her no closer to peace but significantly poorer.
Lessons in Vigilance
The harrowing tale stands as a stark reminder of the sophisticated digital traps ensnaring citizens today. According to PTC News, staying informed and verifying the identities of callers can protect against such devastating frauds. It’s a wake-up call to question, cross-check, and refuse undue pressure in this digital age.
Conclusion
The unfortunate story of this Bengaluru woman sheds light on the pervasive threats lurking in our hyper-connected world. Let’s stay informed and cautious, protecting ourselves from these merciless digital predators.
