Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: In a shocking incident, Dr. Ruchika Tandon, an Associate Professor at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, was defrauded of ₹2.81 crore by cybercriminals who allegedly placed her under “digital custody” for seven days.

Impersonating Authorities and Instilling Fear

Narrating her ordeal, Dr. Tandon revealed that the scam began with a phone call from an individual claiming to be a TRAI representative. The imposter informed her that multiple complaints had been lodged against her phone number for harassment, leading to an impending disconnection under police instructions.

Adding to the facade, the scammers then connected her to another individual posing as an IPS officer. This “officer” claimed that her bank account was linked to a money laundering scheme worth ₹7 crore and threatened immediate arrest. To avoid physical custody, she was informed that she would be placed under “digital custody”.

Further intensifying the pressure, they introduced a supposed CBI officer into the equation and instructed her to maintain complete silence on the matter, citing national security concerns.

Exploiting Fear and Trust

Over the course of the next seven days, Dr. Tandon, fearing arrest and legal repercussions, complied with the demands of these individuals. She transferred a staggering ₹2.81 crore to accounts provided by them, under the impression that she was cooperating with a legitimate investigation.

Investigation Underway

Dr. Tandon eventually reported the incident to the authorities. An investigation is currently underway to apprehend the perpetrators of this elaborate scheme.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance. Authorities urge the public to be wary of suspicious calls, verify identities, and immediately report any potential scams to law enforcement.

 

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