A recent report revealed that residents of Mumbai have lost a staggering Rs 264 crore to cyber fraud from 2019 to 2021. This spike in online scams can be attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, which created an environment conducive for cybercriminals to thrive. With people increasingly relying on digital platforms for various transactions, fraudsters took advantage of unsuspecting victims and duped them out of their hard-earned money.
One common modus operandi employed scammers is approaching victims through text messages or phone calls, spinning a convincing tale that promises financial gain. They initially gain the victim’s trust depositing a small sum of money into their account. Once trust is established, the fraudsters then ask the victims to deposit money into another account under various pretexts.
In a recent incident, a 66-year-old man from Navi Mumbai fell victim to a scam and lost Rs 17 lakh. The scammers, claiming to represent a well-known e-commerce company, contacted him and offered payment for posting product reviews on social media platforms. The victim realized he had been cheated when the payments stopped.
Another incident involved an IT official from Mumbai who lost Rs 17 lakh after accepting a part-time job offer online. The scammers lured him with the promise of easy money through hotel bookings. However, they gradually tricked him into making payments for registration and on other pretexts, eventually making off with his money.
These cases highlight the need for greater awareness and vigilance among individuals while conducting online transactions. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of any offers or payment requests and to exercise caution when sharing personal or financial information.
Unfortunately, cybercrimes continue to pose a significant threat in India. It is essential for individuals to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to such scams.
Sources:
– RTI Report
– PTI Report
