The new trick of Cyber Arresting a victim is largely being used by fraudsters nowadays where they target the victims’ innocence and fear of public defamation or being dragged into judicial proceedings. Every day, we learn about common people being trapped using this method. However, this time, the Cyber Criminals targeted a bigger fish, the MD of the Vardhman Group.
The Padma Bhushan Mr. S P Oswal, Chairman and Managing Director of the renowned Vardhman Group, was duped of Rs 7 crores by fraudsters posing as CBI officers, police said on Monday. Mr. Oswal was contacted via phone by imposters impersonating CBI officers who said that they had seized a parcel bound for Malaysia with 58 fake passports, 16 debit cards, and other suspicious materials which was allegedly linked to Oswal’s Aadhar Card, making him a prime suspect in the case. Knowing that Oswal was a well-known industrialist, the gang capitalized on the potential embarrassment he could face if the case went public.
The sophistication level of criminals can be understood by the way they presented themselves as CBI officers sitting in an original-looking office with the CBI logo in their background. They also forged a Supreme Court arrest warrant and sent it to Oswal over WhatsApp, further intensifying the sense of urgency and fear. Once criminals were convinced that Mr. Oswal has been trapped, they informed him that he would be under “ Digital Arrest” till the investigation was completed and was asked to transfer a sum of 7 crore Indian rupees to two different accounts, the police said.
Mr. Oswal realized that he had been scammed when he discussed the whole incident with his manager, who raised suspicion and advised Mr. Oswal to contact the local police, who later filed his complaint.
The only way to save yourself from such incidents is by not entertaining such callers for long, contacting your local authorities and filing a complaint. Remember, there are no provisions such as “digital arrests”. If you are suspected of any involvement, then the local police will take action. If callers claim to be calling from your bank, then rather than providing any personal information to them over the phone, users should contact their home branch in person. Vigilance and awareness are the keys to reducing such incidents.
