00:000
00:05Phone Ringing
00:09Sir
00:10Yes
00:11Hello
00:12Hello Sir
00:14Ya Vijay
00:16Yes Sir
00:18So we have verified you through the verification process
00:21I will send you a statement where you can tell me if there is any clearative glare
00:24and on that basis, your Aadhaar card misuse complaint will be registered
00:28and you will be provided a complaint copy from here.
00:30Okay? So, you stay on the line with me.
00:34I am from Alambagh Police Station.
00:36SI Sunil Gopal Mishra, I am taking your statement.
00:38I have a complainer with me, whose name is Vijay.
00:40Yes, sir.
00:41Vijay works in Gujarat and he says that his ID card has been misused and a number has been purchased.
00:46The number is...
00:47This number has been purchased on 22-25-24.
00:54The purchase location is...
01:04So, first of all, tell me your name and where are you giving your statement from.
01:08Sir, my name is Vijay Gajera and I am giving my statement from Gujarat.
01:13Vijay Gajera?
01:14Yes, sir.
01:17So, look, you have been connected to the statement line.
01:19You said that your Aadhaar card is being misused.
01:21So, is the Aadhaar card that is being misused yours or is it being used by a third party?
01:26No, I have the Aadhaar card, sir.
01:29Do you have the Aadhaar card?
01:31Yes.
01:32As a proof, show it to the camera.
01:36The reporter said that three banknotes were found in your name from his house.
01:39ICICI, HDFC and SBI.
01:42In which an illegal transaction has been done in Lucknow.
01:45Sir, I have not opened any such account.
01:51Sir, I have not opened any such account.
01:58I don't know. I don't know what is going on, sir.
02:01I have not done anything like that.
02:1441A, 42B, 43C, Narcotics, Antitumor.
02:18Under PMLA, you have been fined Rs. 5,00,000 for 17 years.
02:23But sir, I have not done anything like that.
02:27Picture this.
02:28Your phone rings and the voice on the other end claims that you are in a big trouble.
02:35They say your phone number has been flagged for serious allegations like harassment and financial fraud.
02:41They insist on a real police investigation as the only way out.
02:45And tells you to either show up in the person at the police station within the given hours or give your statement right away online on a video call.
02:55With the time ticking and such pressure, you will take the call.
02:59Well, this is the hook behind a new breed of cybercrime known as Digital Arrest Scam.
03:06Where imposters posing as police and officials target unsuspecting individuals using intimidation and fear to drain their bank accounts.
03:16This is no cooked up story but exactly what happened with the resident of Rajkot, Gujarat named Vijay.
03:24An ordinary man like you and me who fell victim to this scam.
03:28His ordeal began with a call from an unknown number telling him his phone would be blocked in the next four hours.
03:35They accused him of harassment and financial fraud and said that they were representing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or in short TRAI.
03:43Vijay was given two choices.
03:45First to travel all the way from Gujarat to Lucknow police station in Uttar Pradesh within 12 hours.
03:52Or give his statement immediately over a WhatsApp video call.
03:55Trapped and fearing the legal consequences, he opted the video call.
03:59A choice most of us would make under such pressure.
04:03But here's where Vijay took a different route.
04:06Suspecting full claim, he decided to play along.
04:10Acting fearful and innocent, the WhatsApp call connected him to a man posing as a police officer.
04:17With an official looking backdrop that resembled a police station.
04:21This wasn't an accidental touch.
04:24The scammer had set the scene perfectly to ensure the illusion of authority.
04:29The officer immediately demanded proof that Vijay was alone.
04:33Asking him to pan his phone in 360 degree view.
04:47So who else is with you? A third party?
04:49No one sir.
04:51No one?
04:52No sir.
04:53Do one thing. Pan your phone in 360 degree view.
04:55After ensuring that he wasn't with anyone, the scammer began asking for details about Vijay's Aadhaar card.
05:01And even went as far as providing advice on how to protect it.
05:06This tactic of building trust is very common in scams.
05:11It makes the victim feel the caller is genuinely trying to help.
05:15Then came up the masterstroke.
05:17Vijay received a document over WhatsApp.
05:20Supposedly from the Supreme Court and trial.
05:23It had his name, Aadhaar number and an air of authority.
05:27But there was a flaw.
05:29A spelling mistake.
05:31Which was a subtle giveaway.
05:33Meanwhile the scammer, still in character, used a walkie talkie to consult with headquarters.
05:38Using change in tone and threatening language to intensify the pressure.
05:44Now the scammer falsely implicated Vijay in a money laundering case.
05:49I'll tell you from the beginning.
05:51The case of 850 crore rupees money laundering is being handled by the ED department and Narcotics department.
05:56Out of which, ED department and Narcotics department have covered 425 crore rupees.
06:04But 425 crore rupees is still missing.
06:08If you are found guilty in this case, I'll tell you.
06:11Because the evidence we have now is completely against you.
06:14Linked to a high profile figure, hoping to rattle him further.
06:18The scammer's goal was very clear.
06:21They wanted Vijay's bank detail so that they could make their next move.
06:26And drain all his account money.
06:28The scammer continued to inquire whether Vijay used UPI apps or online banking.
06:35To which Vijay smartly and clearly stated that all his transactions are done in cash.
06:41And does not use any online platform.
06:44After all the failed attempts, the scammer still pretending to be a police officer.
06:49Escalated the cause to a supposed DCP, his senior.
06:53The DCP then told Vijay that they needed to transfer all his money from his bank account to the given bank account.
07:00Assuring him that it would be returned if he was found innocent.
07:04Along with a certificate that will clear his name from this money laundering case.
07:09Informed Vijay did not proceed with any payment.
07:12Rather confronted the scammers.
07:14To reveal their identity and asked about their modus operandi.
07:18To which the scammer said was unbelievable and shocking.
07:40Now this raises concern about the corrupt officials who motivated by bribes or other incentives.
07:46Might tip off fraudster about the ongoing investigations.
07:50Delay legal actions or actively shield these criminals from scrutiny.
07:54Such alleged complicity only strengthens the confidence of the scam syndicates.
08:00Who exploit loopholes and enjoy greater impunity knowing they may not face severe repercussions.
08:07With more people relying on online communication and digital transaction.
08:11Scams like this are becoming alarming common.
08:14Last year alone thousands of digital fraud cases were reported in India.
08:18Costing citizens millions of money.
08:21This is a modern epidemic.
08:23One that prays the vulnerable and unsuspecting.
08:27And with digital scam becoming more sophisticated.
08:31Staying informed and vigilant is our best protection.
08:34So now whenever you get a suspicious call or a message.
08:37Take a moment to verify its authenticity.
08:40By contacting the organization directly using official channels.
08:45Scams often follow patterns.
08:48Staying aware about these helps us avoid traps and keep our information safe.
08:53In this digital age a little skepticism and caution go a long way.
08:58Knowledge and vigilance are the strongest defense we have.
09:03As we sign off remember this.
09:05The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed.
09:09And be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited demands.
09:13No matter how credible they may seem.
09:16Digital fraud is real and it is closer to us than we realize.
09:21Stay alert, stay safe and don't let fear make decision for you.
09:26I am your host Rhea and you are watching One India.
09:32Visit OneIndia.com for more updates.
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