Cybercriminals Exploit 1930 Helpline in Sophisticated Scam, Victim Loses ₹29.55 Lakh

Cyber fraudsters have devised a new tactic by misusing the 1930 toll-free helpline number, intended for reporting cybercrimes, to deceive unsuspecting individuals. In a recent case reported in Hyderabad, a complainant was duped of ₹29.55 lakh after being coerced into joining a fraudulent video call by criminals posing as law enforcement officials.

  • Impersonating Authorities: The fraudsters used a Skype ID labeled 'POLICE 1930' to create the illusion that they were genuine officers from the Cyber Crime Wing, tricking victims into believing they were speaking with law enforcement.
  • Deceptive Narrative: The victim, an IT professional, was falsely informed that his Aadhar ID had been used to ship illegal items, including drugs and credit cards, from Mumbai to Taiwan. He was told that a case had been registered against him with the Mumbai Crime Branch.
  • Threats and Extortion: Under the pretext of verifying his bank accounts for suspicious transactions, the criminals threatened the victim with imprisonment and freezing of his bank accounts unless he transferred large sums of money to their specified accounts.
  • Sophisticated Fraud: By posing as police officials and using the official 1930 helpline reference, the criminals exploited the trust victims place in government systems. This misuse of an official cybercrime reporting helpline highlights the sophisticated methods used in cyber frauds today.

The misuse of official resources like the 1930 cybercrime helpline is a concerning trend, emphasizing the need for the public to remain vigilant. Criminals are employing increasingly deceptive tactics to gain trust and extort victims.

Net Protector Cyber Security urges citizens to be cautious when contacted by individuals claiming to represent law enforcement and to verify the authenticity of such interactions through official channels.

Stay alert, report fraud, and protect your personal data from cybercriminals.