Chandigarh woman loses Rs 80 lakh in new Aadhaar-Sim card link scam

New Delhi: India is grappling with a complex web of online scams, resulting in thousands of individuals losing significant sums of money. Scammers continuously devise new methods to deceive people and steal their funds. In a recent case of online fraud, a woman from Chandigarh lost Rs 80 lakh to fraudsters posing as Crime Branch officers. This case is particularly noteworthy because the scammers exploited the linkage between Aadhaar and SIM cards to intimidate the victim. The fraudsters’ sophisticated approach underscores the evolving nature of online scams in India, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and awareness among the public to protect against such deceptive tactics.

According to a report by Tribune India, a resident of Sector 11, Chandigarh, fell victim to an elaborate online scam. The victim received a call from an individual posing as a police officer from the Crime Branch in Mumbai. The caller claimed that a SIM card issued against her Aadhaar card was being used for illegal money laundering activities. To add credibility to the deception, the fraudster informed the victim that 24 money laundering complaints had been filed against her. The caller then threatened the victim with imminent arrest. In a state of panic and seeking to avoid legal trouble, the victim meticulously followed the caller’s instructions, ultimately losing Rs 80 lakh.

To clear the case, the caller demanded that she deposit Rs 80 lakh into a specified bank account as part of an ongoing investigation, promising that the money would be returned if she was found innocent. Desperate to clear her name, the woman transferred the money, only to realise later that she had been duped. By the time the victim understood the deception, the scammer had disappeared without a trace, and the funds were unrecoverable. A case has been registered at the cybercrime police station, and an investigation is underway.

This is yet another case highlighting how scammers are evolving their tricks to deceive people. It underscores the importance of being vigilant. Here are some essential tips to stay safe from such scams:

• Always verify the identity of the caller. Genuine officials will never ask for personal details or money over the phone. Cross-check by calling the organisation directly using a verified contact number.
• Never share sensitive personal information like Aadhaar numbers, bank details, or OTPs over the phone. Legitimate organisations will not request such information in this manner.
• Be wary of calls that use scare tactics to force immediate action. Law enforcement agencies follow proper legal procedures and do not resort to threats of arrest over the phone.
• If you receive a suspicious call, consult with family members, friends, or trusted sources before taking any action. A second opinion can often prevent a hasty decision.
• Report any suspicious calls or messages to the police and your service provider immediately. Early reporting can help prevent further scams and assist in the investigation.
• Use official channels such as government websites and helplines to verify any claims related to Aadhaar or other official documents.
• Most importantly, keep yourself updated about the latest scams and fraud techniques. Awareness is a powerful tool in preventing cybercrime.