Kolkata: Kolkata Police has launched a crucial cybercrime awareness initiative specifically targeting senior citizens, responding to an alarming surge in digital fraud cases affecting the elderly population. TOI had reported about this in its edition dated Dec 11.
The decision was borne out of recent statistics from the past two months that revealed that senior citizens account for approximately 52% of victims in digital arrest scams.
The catalyst for this initiative was the arrest of two Mumbai individuals on Tuesday from Sealdah after they defrauded a 65-year-old Kolkata resident of Rs 66.3 lakh using the threat of digital arrest. Digital arrest fraud also emerged as the primary cyber crime threat, with 49 cases reported in just 27 days, including 12 instances where victims were manipulated into transferring money to fraudsters.
The severity of the situation is further emphasized by reports from the south division cyber cell, which documented nine incidents, with victims making payments in eight cases. The probe uncovered approximately two dozen Skype accounts linked to these fraudulent activities. The scale of the problem is substantial, with the department recording 320 such complaints since June, indicating a widespread and organised criminal operation.
These cybercriminals developed sophisticated methods of deception, creating elaborate scenarios that include mock police stations complete with personnel in uniform and official emblems. In one case, criminals appropriated a police officer's image on WhatsApp to falsely accuse a businessman of human trafficking. Law enforcement officials observed that these tactics are constantly evolving, making it increasingly difficult for victims to distinguish legitimate communications from fraudulent ones.
Cops said they analysed over 100 conversations and found a pattern. They warn senior citizens to look out for such patterns. "They would throw improbable numbers. For example, a caller would claim that the mobile connection would be disconnected due to "22 complaints" of ‘harassment' messages sent from it. Next, they will bring in multiple men in uniform on the screen, apparently across multiple locations just to prove the "seriousness of the crime".
"In the background, a jarring chorus of voices will also echo, where you hear the words — arrest her, arrest her — repeatedly. ‘The police will be coming in five minutes to arrest you. All police stations have been alerted', a voice would warn repeatedly. Do know that if these happen, you are in the midst of a fake call," said a cybercell officer.
Cops claimed that once the fake call is traced it's important to report it to police. "Do not engage with the caller. Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be from law enforcement using official websites and contact numbers, rather than relying on search engine results or the information provided by the caller."
BOX:
Do's and don'ts:
• Identify the patterns – throwing in random numbers, FIR sections and engaging multiple agencies with "cops in uniform" are ways to intimidate.
• Do not engage with the caller.
• Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be from law enforcement using official websites and contact numbers, rather than relying on search engine results or the information provided by the caller.
• Avoid payments. Legitimate investigations do not involve payments as a condition for avoiding arrest. If you are asked to transfer money, it should raise a red flag.
• If you still realise you've been duped, contact the financial helpline 1930 within 15-20 minutes to freeze any transfer.
• Additionally, file a complaint with your local cybercrime cell immediately," stated the officer. MSID:: 116252507 413 |
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