In Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, cyber criminals defrauded a retired engineer of over 1.25 crore rupees under the guise of trading. Cyber police recovered 26 lakh rupees and arrested one suspect; the criminals had enticed an unsuspecting laborer to open a bank account for their fraudulent activities.
Jhunjhunu: A concerning incident has come to light in Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, where cyber criminals swindled a retired Additional Chief Engineer out of more than 1.25 crore rupees. Within just 15-20 days, the criminals transferred the money into over a dozen bank accounts under the pretext of trading. However, the cyber police station took swift action, recovering approximately 26 lakh rupees of the defrauded amount. One suspect was also arrested in Jaipur.
How the Fraud Began
The incident began when the retired engineer received an attractive investment proposal on his mobile phone. The criminals assured him of substantial returns, enticing him to invest in trading and gradually trapping him in their scheme.
The retired engineer engaged in discussions about the investment, and the criminals subtly influenced him. Subsequently, they began demanding increasingly large sums of money. Funds were transferred to various bank accounts until the engineer disclosed the situation to an acquaintance. The acquaintance recognized it as a fraud, leading the retired engineer to file a complaint with the cyber police station.
Source of the Fraudulent Funds
According to DSP Ramkhilaree Meena, in charge of the cyber police station, the investigation revealed that the criminals used bank accounts in various states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Multiple accounts were used to obfuscate the trail of the stolen funds.
One such account belonged to Jitendra from Adunda village, in the Surawal police station area of Sawai Madhopur district. When police located Jitendra, he was found working as a laborer in Jaipur. Interrogation revealed that the criminals had lured him with a monthly payment of 1500 rupees to open an account. Jitendra was unaware of the account's illicit use.
How Jitendra was Entangled
Jitendra admitted that the cyber criminals easily ensnared him, promising him 1500 rupees per month for allowing them to use his account. He opened the account without fully understanding the implications, unknowingly facilitating the criminals' activities. Police gathered further information from Jitendra and will present him in court.
Police Action and Recovery of Funds
DSP Ramkhilaree Meena stated that the cyber police station took prompt action, recovering approximately 26 lakh rupees of the defrauded amount. The investigation into the criminals continues, with police questioning other account holders. Further arrests are anticipated, and authorities have assured stringent action against the perpetrators.
Measures to Avoid Fraud
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance against online fraud. Before accepting any investment proposal, thoroughly investigate its legitimacy. Don't blindly trust overly attractive or suspicious offers. To avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime, consider the following steps:
- Thoroughly verify details before undertaking any online transaction.
- Investigate anyone soliciting investments.
- Do not respond to suspicious calls, messages, or emails.
- Never share banking information if solicited.
- Contact your nearest cyber police station immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Cybersecurity Awareness
This event underscores the need for continuous vigilance in online security. Cybercriminals constantly employ new tactics, demanding constant awareness to safeguard against their schemes.
