Jammu, Oct 5: Cyber Police Jammu has issued a critical advisory, warning the public against an increasing trend of financial frauds where fraudsters use intimidation tactics to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
The advisory highlights a recent surge in cases where criminals impersonate police officers and coerce victims into making payments by falsely claiming their family members are involved in criminal cases.
Cyber police said that in a shocking incident, a woman teacher from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, recently fell victim to such a scheme.
“The fraudsters called her, falsely claiming that her daughter had been arrested in a sex trafficking case. Overcome with shock and fear, the woman tragically suffered a heart attack and passed away. This case has sent shockwaves through the community and emphasizes the urgency of the advisory”.
Cyber Police Station Jammu advisory stated, “Fraudsters are using increasingly devious methods to manipulate people. They prey on emotions like fear, using intimidation to force victims into making hasty decisions without verifying the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and cautious when receiving such calls.”
The police have provided a set of safety tips to help people avoid falling into these traps:
Fraudsters rely on panic to push victims into quick decisions. Take a moment to gather yourself before responding.
Always ask for the caller’s name and the agency they claim to represent. Do not make any payments without verifying their credentials.
Police Don’t Demand Payments Over the Phone: Be cautious of any caller asking for immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal trouble.
If someone claims you or your loved ones are involved in a crime, contact your local police station or the relevant authorities to confirm the truth.
Never share sensitive information like PINs, passwords, or financial details with anyone over the phone.
The advisory stresses that any incidents of cybercrime should be immediately reported through the NCRP portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling the helpline number 1930.
“The public needs to be aware and vigilant to prevent themselves from becoming victims of such fraud,” added the spokesperson. The Cyber Police have also reiterated the importance of education and awareness in preventing these crimes from spreading further.
