Mumbai: The Cyber police have issued an alert for citizens warning them about cybercriminals using fake letterheads, issuing legal threats, and forged government details to accuse victims of serious crimes. The scammers pressure recipients into paying "legal fees" or sharing sensitive data under fear of arrest, the alert stated.
According to the alert, the cybercriminals approach the victims via Gmail containing malware via links and attachments, WhatsApp, and fake official-looking domains and make false claims that an FIR has been filed and legal notices have been issued against the victim. In order to make their con look genuine, the cybercriminals use fake letterheads, case numbers, and officer names
"The scammers demand immediate response from the victims, inducing them to share their personal details like Aadhaar, PAN, bank credentials or payment modes. One should ignore such emails threatening arrest or demanding money. Do not click suspicious links. In today's digital age, cybercrime is masked behind fake authority. A real law enforcement agency will never threaten or demand payment over email or WhatsApp," the alert stated.
Recently, the Cyber Helpline Team of the Mumbai Crime Branch had successfully prevented a major financial scam and saved Rs 1.29 crore belonging to a 73-year-old doctor from Vile Parle, who was targeted in a “digital arrest” cyber fraud.
The senior citizen contacted the 1930 helpline after being duped by unknown individuals who posed as TRAI officials, police officers, and even a judge through video calls.
The fraudsters falsely claimed that the doctor’s bank account was involved in irregular activities and connected to a money laundering case, threatening digital arrest if he did not comply. Between June 2 and June 4, the victim was coerced into transferring money across multiple bank accounts.
