A shocking incident has emerged from Bengaluru, where a woman lawyer has become the victim of a harrowing scam. The Bengaluru Police have initiated an investigation into the case after the woman complained alleging that she was coerced into stripping during a video call by fraudsters posing as customs officers. Additionally, the scammers duped her of a substantial amount totalling Rs 10 lakh.
According to the complaint filed by the lawyer, she was contacted by individuals claiming to be officers from the customs department in Mumbai on April 5. The fraudsters purportedly informed her about a package containing drugs addressed in her name, allegedly dispatched from Singapore. Subsequently, they demanded that she strip during a video call, citing the need for a ‘narcotics’ test.
This distressing ordeal persisted for two days, during which the fraudsters escalated their threats by blackmailing the woman. They threatened to release the incriminating video online unless she complied with their demand to transfer Rs 10 lakh to their account.
Fearing the repercussions, the woman succumbed to the pressure and transferred the requested amount to the fraudster’s account. However, realizing the gravity of the situation, she approached the police and lodged a formal complaint on April 7.
In response to the complaint, the police have initiated legal action under the Information Technology (IT) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) about extortion and cheating.
This disturbing incident highlights the nefarious tactics employed by scammers and underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness, especially when encountering suspicious requests or communications, particularly online. The Bengaluru Police’s swift response to the complaint underscores their commitment to ensuring justice and combating cybercrime in the region.