Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 14 November 2024
In an alarming case of online fraud, a 28-year-old resident of Dollygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram, employed as a civilian worker in the Indian Navy, has reported losing nearly Rs. 80,000 in a complex scam involving impersonation of government officials, fake documents, and intimidation tactics.
According to the complaint filed at the Cyber Crime Police Station, the incident began on the morning of September 3, 2024, when the victim received a call from what appeared to be from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). An automated message warned that his network service would be suspended within two hours. Concerned, he pressed “9” as instructed and was connected to an individual claiming to be a TRAI employee.
The impersonator informed the victim that his mobile number and Aadhaar were allegedly being used for illegal activities in Mumbai. When the Dollygunj resident denied involvement, the caller insisted that this was a serious matter and connected him to another impersonator posing as an officer from Mumbai’s Cyber Crime Department.
In a staged setup that mimicked a law enforcement environment, the scam continued via a WhatsApp video call, during which the fraudsters accused the victim of links to terrorism and money laundering. To reinforce their claims, the fraudsters sent the victim a fabricated letter bearing the official Reserve Bank of India (RBI) logo. This document demanded that he deposit funds in a designated account as part of a “verification” process to clear his name. The scammers assured him that the funds would be refunded if he was proven innocent.
Under the pressure of this elaborate setup, the victim followed their instructions to transfer Rs. 49,512 from his State Bank of India account and Rs.
29,712 from his Punjab National Bank account via UPI. Moments after completing the transactions, communication with the fraudsters ceased. Realising he had been deceived, the Dollygunj resident quickly filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station.
This case highlights a sophisticated modus operandi, where fraudsters used impersonation, a simulated investigation environment, and fake documentation to exploit the victim’s fear of legal trouble.
TRAI has repeatedly issued advisories warning the public that any calls, messages, or notices claiming to be from TRAI and threatening mobile disconnection should be treated as potential fraud and ignored.