Mohali, December 13, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, Harbhajan Kaur, a 68-year-old retired senior citizen from Mohali, fell victim to a sophisticated scam that spanned four days, during which she was defrauded of Rs. 80 lakhs. While Rs. 40 lakhs have been ‘blocked’ so far with help coming from Mohali Cyber Crime Wing, the fate of the remaining amount remains uncertain even as authorities are continuing with the investigation and efforts to recover the amount and identify the culprits. The incident underscores the growing menace of cybercrime, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals.

The Scam Unfolds: A Web of Deception

Harbhajan Kaur, a resident of SAS Nagar (Mohali), who lives alone while her children are abroad, received a distressing call on December 9, 2024. The caller, a woman posing as a representative from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch, informed her that her Aadhaar Card was linked to a mobile number involved in money laundering.

The caller claimed that an FIR had been registered against her, and non-bailable warrants were issued. She was told her phone would soon be blocked, leaving her in a state of panic. Confused and alarmed, Harbhajan Kaur called back the number for clarification, only to be further entangled in the scammers’ plot.

The Layered Scam: Manipulation Through Authority and Fear

The criminals escalated the ruse by introducing new personas into the scam. Kaur received another call from someone posing as a member of the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), alleging that her phone number was involved in sending illegal messages and objectionable content.

Adding to the fear, the scammers claimed that Jet Airways founder Chairman Naresh Goyal, arrested under the Money Laundering Act, had implicated her in fraudulent transactions using a Canara Bank account. She was threatened with CBI raids, arrest, and Supreme Court proceedings unless she acted immediately to prove her innocence.

The scam reached a crescendo when Kaur received a WhatsApp call from a person impersonating the Director of the CBI. This individual convinced her that her case was “high-profile” and that she needed to deposit money into designated accounts to obtain a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the Supreme Court.

The Financial Losses: How Rs. 80 Lakhs Were Stolen

Harbhajan Kaur, overwhelmed by fear and manipulation, complied with the fraudsters’ demands. She transferred money in several transactions over three days:

December 10, 2024: Rs. 25 lakhs transferred to an Indian Bank account.
December 11, 2024: Rs. 30 lakhs transferred to the same account.
Additional Transfers: Rs. 25 lakhs to an IDFC First Bank account.

It was only after transferring Rs. 80 lakhs in total that Kaur realized she had been duped.

Complaint Filed and Partial Recovery of Funds

On December 12, 2024, Harbhajan Kaur lodged a complaint with the Mohali Cyber Crime Wing. Swift action by the police led to the recovery of Rs. 40 lakhs, but efforts are still underway to retrieve the remaining amount and identify the culprits.

The Growing Threat of Cybercrime

This incident highlights the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit the elderly and vulnerable. By impersonating officials from reputable organizations and creating a sense of urgency, they are able to manipulate victims into parting with their hard-earned money.

FAQs on the Mohali Cyber Fraud Case

1. What happened in the Mohali cyber fraud case?
Harbhajan Kaur, a 68-year-old woman, was duped of Rs. 80 lakhs by scammers who posed as officials from various agencies and coerced her into transferring money to prove her innocence in a fabricated case.

2. How did the scammers target the victim?
The scammers used fear tactics, claiming the victim’s Aadhaar Card was linked to illegal activities. They impersonated officials from the CBI, TRAI, and the Supreme Court to add credibility to their claims.

3. How much money was recovered?
Out of the Rs. 80 lakhs stolen, the Mohali Cyber Crime Wing has managed to recover Rs. 40 lakhs so far.

4. What actions have the authorities taken?
A complaint has been registered with the Mohali Cyber Crime Wing, and investigations are ongoing to recover the remaining funds and identify the perpetrators.

5. How can such scams be avoided?
To avoid falling victim to such scams, always verify calls from unknown numbers, never share personal or financial information over the phone, and consult trusted authorities before making any transactions.

6. What should victims of cyber fraud do?
Victims should immediately report the incident to the nearest cybercrime cell and provide all relevant details for a prompt investigation.