In a growing wave of online scams, a 25-year-old IIT Bombay student has become the latest victim, losing Rs 7.28 lakh in a sophisticated fraud. According to a report by PTI, the student received a call from someone pretending to be a TRAI official, who falsely accused him of being involved in illegal activities. Fearing severe legal consequences, the student followed the scammer’s instructions, transferring the money to multiple accounts as part of a fabricated procedure to clear his name.
The caller introduced himself as a TRAI official and informed the student that 17 complaints of illegal activities had been registered against his mobile number. The scammers further threatened that the student was at risk of “digital arrest” unless he followed specific instructions.
Fearing legal repercussions and the severity of the charges, the student agreed to follow the instructions. In a fake procedure designed to clear his name and avoid any legal issues, the scammers instructed him to transfer Rs 7.28 lakh over multiple transactions to their account. Out of fear, he followed their instructions and was ultimately scammed.
Safety tips to avoid online scams
This is not the first instance of such online scams. India has seen a growing number of individuals falling victim to similar frauds in recent years. Many of these scams are conducted via digital platforms like WhatsApp or fraudulent websites posing as legitimate entities. So, how can you protect yourself from such scams? Here are some important safety tips:
- Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a call or message claiming to be from a government agency, do not panic. Always verify the caller’s identity by contacting the agency directly through their official website or helplines.
- Never share sensitive information: Never share personal or sensitive information, such as OTPs, bank account details, or Aadhaar numbers, over the phone. Legitimate government agencies will never ask for such information.
- Avoid sharing information with strangers: Be cautious about sharing any confidential information with unknown individuals.
- Pause before acting: If you feel pressured to make a decision, take a moment to assess the situation. Avoid making impulsive decisions out of fear.
- Report suspected scams: If you suspect you are being scammed, record the conversation (if possible) and report it to your nearest police station or cybercrime cell.
By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to such scams in the future.
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