Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): Jabalpur is witnessing a sharp increase in cybercrime, with nearly 497 cyber fraud complaints registered in the last few months and Rs 12 crore stolen from residents. Even educated citizens are falling prey to various online traps. While police have recovered Rs 84 lakh, the rest remains under investigation.
The fraudsters use clever tactics, often pretending to be officials, friends, or companies. They even convert stolen money into bitcoins and transfer it abroad, making recovery difficult.
Common Cyber Scams In Jabalpur :
WhatsApp Photo Scam
Hackers send malicious photos. Once opened, they gain access to the victim’s phone and steal money.
Tip: Never download images or files from unknown WhatsApp numbers.
Digital Arrest Scam
People receive fake calls claiming involvement in money laundering, threatening arrest unless money is paid.
Tip: Real police never demand money over a call. Hang up and verify.
Fake Investment Offers
Scammers promise high returns in stock markets or crypto, then vanish with the money.
Tip: Only invest through trusted platforms. Be cautious of “too good to be true” profits.
Bank Impersonation
Fraudsters pose as bank staff and ask for account info or OTPs.
Tip: Banks never ask for OTPs or passwords. Always call the official number to verify.
Sextortion
Fake video calls are used to record intimate visuals, then victims are blackmailed.
Tip: Don’t accept video calls from unknown numbers. Report any threats immediately.
Facebook Friendship Scam
Scammers build trust through fake accounts and then ask for money or trap victims.
Tip: Be cautious of new online friendships asking for help or money.
Medical Admission Fraud
Students and parents are duped with fake admission offers into medical colleges.
Tip: Always verify admissions through official college or government portals.
E-SIM Fraud
Scammers convince people to share OTPs, allowing them to access bank accounts.
Tip: Don’t share any OTPs received during an e-SIM or mobile service request.
Fake Wedding Invitations/Challans
Clicking on a WhatsApp invite or traffic challan link leads to bank account hacking.
Tip: Don’t click on suspicious links. Confirm with the sender first.
Online Task Scam
Victims are promised money for liking videos or completing tasks on Telegram.
Tip: Avoid unknown earning schemes. They often ask for money before giving “rewards.”
How To Stay Safe :
Don’t click unknown links or download files from strangers.
Never share OTPs, passwords, or bank details.
Enable two-step authentication for your online accounts.
Keep antivirus and phone security updated.
Educate your family, especially elders and kids, about cyber safety.
In case of any fraud, call the 1930 cyber helpline or visit your nearest cyber police station immediately.
Additional SP Sonali Dubey said, “Early reporting is key. The sooner we know, the better chances we have to stop the fraud and recover money.”
