Karnataka man loses ₹1.7 crore to fraudsters posing as CBI, TRAI officials: Report

The ordeal began on November 11 when the victim received a call from an unknown number.

Published on: Nov 22, 2024, 10:42:29 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A Karnataka resident lost ₹1.7 crore in an elaborate online scam where fraudsters posed as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Deccan Herald reported.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the fraud

As per the report, the ordeal began on November 11 when the victim received a call from an unknown number. The caller, claiming to represent TRAI, alleged that a mobile number registered under his name was being misused for illegal activities in Mumbai’s Andheri East.

The victim was warned that an FIR had been filed against him for harassment through marketing calls and that his mobile service would be suspended within two hours unless he contacted the Andheri police station, the report added.

Soon after, another individual introduced himself as Pradeep Sawant, who claimed to be an officer investigating a money laundering case tied to the high-profile Naresh Goyal fraud. Sawant alleged that a bank account under the victim’s name had been fraudulently opened at Canara Bank in Andheri and used for illegal transactions.

Fake documents and a fabricated case

The pressure escalated when the victim received a WhatsApp video call from two individuals posing as Police Officer Rahul Kumar and CBI Officer Akanksha. They presented fake documents showing a fabricated case registered against him in the CBI office and demanded money to "resolve" the issue.

Fearing arrest and reputational damage, the victim complied with their demands. Between November 13 and 19, he transferred ₹1.7 crore through multiple RTGS transactions. However, he later realized he had fallen prey to a scam and approached the Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics (CEN) police station to lodge a complaint.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the fraud. Officials have cautioned the public to verify the identity of callers claiming to represent government agencies and to avoid transferring money without proper due diligence.

(Also Read: Bengaluru students’ Madikeri trip turns nightmare as car rental agency assaults, extorts ₹50,000: Report)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest City News, local updates, weather alerts and breaking stories from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other major cities across India on Hindustan Times.