Cyber Fraud cases in India are steadily increasing and have now reached alarming levels, affecting not just the wealthy or tech-savvy but also vulnerable people in desperate situations.
Cyber Fraud cases in India are steadily increasing and have now reached alarming levels, affecting not just the wealthy or tech-savvy but also vulnerable people in desperate situations. Criminals operating through digital platforms are always looking for new ways to exploit the emotional and financial vulnerabilities of unsuspecting individuals.
In a shocking recent incident from Udupi, Karnataka, a woman battling cancer fell victim to a Cyber Fraud scheme while seeking financial help for her expensive treatment. She ended up losing over ₹30,000 to scammers posing as representatives of a well-known religious institution.
According to a report by The Times of India, the victim was undergoing treatment for cancer, which already demands substantial and continuous medical expenses. Feeling the financial burden was too heavy to bear alone, she decided to reach out for public support by sharing her bank account details on social media platforms, hoping that generous people would come forward to help.
Unfortunately, this call for help caught the attention of cyber criminals who are always on the lookout for easy targets. On the morning of July 1, around 10 AM, the woman received a phone call from a man who spoke in Kannada. He introduced himself as a representative of the Shri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, claiming that he was calling under the instructions of the Krishna Mutt in Udupi. He told her that the mutt had decided to extend financial help worth ₹2.90 lakh to support her treatment.
The offer sounded legitimate, as it was presented in a respectful manner, using the name of a trusted religious organization, which is often associated with charity work and donations for the needy. But the catch was soon revealed: to receive this financial aid, the woman was asked to pay a “tax” of ₹29,900 in advance.
The victim, already overwhelmed by her health condition and desperate to secure funds for her medical needs, trusted the caller. The use of local language and religious references added to her sense of trust. Without suspecting anything fishy, she promptly transferred the requested amount through PhonePe, a popular digital payment application.
But the scammers didn’t stop there. To make the fraud look more credible, they kept in constant touch with her. They assured her that once the “tax” was paid, the promised amount would be credited to her bank account by 11:45 AM. To keep the ruse alive, the fraudster called her again and asked for an additional ₹4,000 in two transactions, claiming some last-minute processing fees needed to be cleared.
The victim, clinging to hope, complied with these demands too. It was only when the promised funds did not arrive by the said time that she realized she had been cheated. By then, the fraudster had stopped answering calls, and the truth of this Cyber Fraud dawned on her.
When the victim understood that she had become a target of Cyber Fraud, she immediately approached the local police station to file an official complaint. The police have since registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Information Technology (IT) Act.
The case has been filed under BNS Section 318(4) and 112, which deal with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Additionally, relevant sections of the IT Act, such as Section 66(C) and 66(D), which specifically address identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources, have been invoked. An investigation is underway to trace the fraudsters and bring them to justice.
This is not an isolated incident. Cyber Fraud cases in India are multiplying every year. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to lure victims, including fake job offers, lottery winnings, charity scams, phishing links, and even fake customer care numbers.
The victims often include elderly people, students, daily wage workers, and people already burdened by medical emergencies or financial crises. What makes these crimes more heinous is that the fraudsters prey on people’s emotional vulnerability and goodwill.
This incident is a stark reminder that while the internet and digital payment systems have made our lives more convenient, they also come with risks. Here are some essential tips that everyone should follow to stay protected from Cyber Fraud:
Never share your bank account details, UPI IDs, passwords, or any other sensitive information on social media platforms. Scammers actively monitor these channels to find potential victims.
If someone calls claiming to offer you financial help, especially in large sums, verify their identity thoroughly. Call the official helpline numbers of the organization they claim to represent. Look for official websites, email addresses, and other authentic sources of verification.
No legitimate organization or charity will ever ask you to pay “taxes” or “processing fees” to release funds. If anyone asks for upfront money for donations or aid, it is almost certainly a scam.
Keep yourself and your family informed about the latest scams making the rounds. The more you know about how these criminals operate, the better you can guard against them.
Always use updated antivirus software on your phones and computers. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity, do not delay in reporting it. India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/) is a dedicated platform where you can file a complaint. Alternatively, you can also visit your nearest police station or cyber cell.
The tragic case of this cancer patient losing her money to an online scam is a cautionary tale for everyone. In difficult times, people’s trust and hope are manipulated by criminals who hide behind screens. While law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to crack down on such scams, the first line of defense is your own awareness.
No matter how genuine an offer may sound, always cross-check. When it comes to your hard-earned money and sensitive information, double-checking is better than regretting later. Together, by staying alert and spreading awareness, we can make it harder for cyber criminals to succeed in their malicious acts.
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Cyber Fraud refers to any scam or criminal activity that uses the internet, digital platforms, or technology to deceive people and steal their money, personal information, or digital identity. Common examples include phishing emails, fake donation calls, lottery scams, and identity theft.
Anyone can fall victim to Cyber Fraud, but scammers often target vulnerable groups like elderly people, people facing medical emergencies, students looking for jobs, and people who share personal information on social media. Lack of awareness and emotional stress make it easier for fraudsters to trap their targets.
Fraudsters use psychological tricks like urgency, emotional stories, fake official identities, and promises of large sums of money. They often pretend to be government officials, religious organizations, or customer care agents to gain your trust.
Never transfer money to claim a donation, prize, or job offer. Genuine organizations do not ask for money upfront. If you are unsure, verify directly through official websites or helplines. Always doubt anyone who pressures you to act quickly.
No. Sharing your bank account details, UPI IDs, OTPs, or passwords publicly is never safe. Scammers can misuse this information in many ways. Always share such details only with trusted sources through secure channels.
