Patna: Cases of cyber fraud are steadily rising in Bihar. Cybercriminals are now targeting people using novel methods such as fake courier issues, offers to buy gold at low prices, claims of illegal items found in parcels, and “digital arrest” scams. By ensnaring victims through a single phone call or message, fraudsters obtain their banking details, and in no time, lakhs of rupees vanish from their bank accounts.
According to the cyber police, fraudsters intimidate or lure people by posing as representatives of courier companies, the police, the customs department, banks, or government agencies. They then ask for OTPs, bank details, UPI PINs, or prompt the victim to download specific apps. Once the victim falls for the ruse, money is siphoned off from their account.
How are people targeted in courier scams?
Cybercriminals call individuals claiming that a parcel sent in their name contains contraband, cash, drugs, or forged documents. Posing as police or customs officers, they intimidate the victim, warning of legal action if they do not cooperate.
Amidst this fear, many people trust the fraudsters and share sensitive information via video calls or screen-sharing, or disclose banking details. During this process, the scammers withdraw money from the victim’s account.
The lure of cheap gold
Cybercriminals also run advertisements on platforms like social media, WhatsApp, and Telegram, offering gold at low prices. They claim they can provide gold at rates significantly lower than the market price.
Fraudsters first ask for an advance payment or a booking amount. Once the money is transferred, they switch off their mobile numbers or cut off all contact. In many instances, victims are defrauded by being sent fake gold.
The new tactic of “Digital Arrest”
Recently, there has been a rise in fraud cases involving “digital arrest.” Scammers pose as police or investigative agency officials during video calls and intimidate victims by claiming a serious case has been registered against them. They then pressure the victim to share bank account details or transfer money under the pretext of an investigation. Experts clarify that no government agency places an individual under “digital arrest” via phone or video call, nor do they instruct anyone to deposit money into a bank account.
Modus Operandi of Scammers
Cyber criminals typically—
Pose as courier company employees.
Call pretending to be police, CBI, customs, or bank officials.
Lure victims with offers to sell gold at low prices.
Create panic regarding KYC updates or the closure of bank accounts.
Induce victims to download screen-sharing or remote access apps.
Ask for OTPs, UPI PINs, and card details.
Watch Out for These Signs
If someone—
Pressures you to send money immediately.
Asks for your bank or UPI PIN.
Tries to intimidate you by showing an identity card over a video call.
Asks you to click on a suspicious link.
Forces you to download a specific app.
…then be immediately alert and do not trust what they say.
How to Stay Safe?
Cyber experts advise people to—
Refrain from sharing banking details during calls from unknown numbers.
Never disclose OTPs, ATM PINs, or UPI PINs to anyone.
Use only official websites or apps.
Verify “cheap” offers seen on social media.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
Use screen-sharing apps on your mobile only when absolutely necessary and with trusted parties.
What to Do in Case of Fraud?
If a person falls victim to cyber fraud, taking timely action is crucial.
First—
Immediately inform your bank and request that your account be blocked.
File a complaint immediately with the National Cyber Helpline at 1930.
Register a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
File an FIR at the nearest cyber police station or local police station.
Preserve all screenshots, messages, and call details related to the transaction.
Police Appeal
The Bihar Police and Cyber Cell have appealed to the public not to trust any unknown calls, messages, or online offers without verifying them first. If someone claiming to be a government official asks for money or confidential information, first verify their identity through the concerned department’s official channels.
