Cyber Fraud Incident in Rayagada District
Details of the Case
In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, an Additional District Public Health Officer in Rayagada, Odisha, has reportedly lost over Rs 12 lakh. The fraudsters allegedly held her in a state of digital arrest for two days, coercing her into transferring the money through threats and intimidation.
Method of Operation
The incident began with the doctor receiving a call from an unidentified individual claiming to represent a courier company. The caller informed her that a suspicious parcel linked to her Aadhaar card had been discovered, and serious charges had been filed against her. Subsequently, the call was transferred to another person who falsely identified himself as a police officer. The scammers cautioned her against leaving her home until the verification process was concluded, threatening arrest if she failed to comply.
Impact of Intimidation
Under constant pressure and intimidation, the doctor became convinced that she was under official surveillance. This manipulation enabled the cybercriminals to extract more than Rs 12 lakh from her.
Response from Authorities
After the incident, the doctor lodged a complaint at the Rayagada police station in conjunction with the cyber cell. Following her report, the police initiated an investigation and registered a case against the perpetrators, as reported by Sambad.
Wider Trends in Cyber Fraud
The rise in cyber fraud cases targeting medical professionals is concerning, with criminals employing fear tactics to ensnare their victims. In light of these incidents, law enforcement agencies have urged the public to stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to threatening calls masquerading as official inquiries.