Cyber Fraud: Cyber ​​criminals are targeting Indian women, a method of extorting money you might not have heard of...

Scammers Targeting Indian Women: A new game of fraud is currently circulating on social media. In this, fraudsters first befriend victims, lure them with expensive gifts, and then blackmail them into extorting money. Such cases of fraud have never been seen before. Indian women and girls are particularly vulnerable. This scam is spreading so rapidly that numerous cases are being reported daily. Women are being duped of thousands and even lakhs of rupees using this method. Cybercrime expert Ajay Singh has explained ways to protect oneself. The latest case is from Uttar Pradesh, where a girl fell victim to cyber fraud.

Message from an unknown Instagram user
According to a report in the Indian Express, on the day of Chhath Puja this year, Naina (name changed) in a small town in Uttar Pradesh received a message from an unknown Instagram user. Initially, she ignored it, but in the evening, the same person returned. He introduced himself as a famous doctor, Khan, living in London. The profile appeared genuine. He said he was Pakistani and, after completing his MBBS from China, practices medicine in London.

A WhatsApp chat began.
Naina was delighted to learn that a man living abroad had messaged her. They chatted on Instagram for three days, then began chatting on WhatsApp. Doctor Khan repeatedly asked for a video call, but never showed his face. He said the network was poor. Five days later, he suddenly proposed marriage. Naina flatly refused. Naina wanted to remain just friends.

The fraudster said, "I'm sending you gifts."

The real game of deception began from here. Doctor Khan said, "Okay, then I'll send you gifts." He sent videos of himself buying an iPhone, expensive jewelry, and sarees worth one lakh rupees. Naina refused to provide an address. Nevertheless, he claimed the gifts had been sent to India. The next day, at 7 a.m., she received a call stating that the gifts were at Mumbai airport.

The girl was threatened.
Then she received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The person on the other end introduced himself as an officer from Mumbai Airport and said she would have to pay 4,000 rupees to collect the parcel. When Naina refused, he threatened to refer the matter to the CBI. Naina panicked, and Dr. Khan also said he didn't know Indian laws. Fearful, Naina borrowed 4,000 rupees from friends and sent them. The next day, they demanded another 12,000 rupees. Naina didn't have the money. Dr. Khan became angry and said he had secretly recorded the video call and would make it viral. Naina was terrified.

Received a call from the fake CBI
Naina went to a jewelry shop to sell gold earrings. The shopkeeper was about to transfer the money when she received a call from the bank. The banker explained that it was a scam. The shopkeeper returned the earrings and sent Naina home. While on her way home, she received another call from the fake CBI. This time, instead of being scared, Naina said, "Come over, I'm waiting outside." Then she blocked all three numbers. Naina didn't tell her family or file a police complaint because she feared being disgraced.

Cyber ​​expert explains how fraud happens.
Cybercrime expert Ajay Singh explains that fraudsters first send friend requests to girls on Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. They gain trust after chatting for a few days. Then, they claim they're sending gifts from abroad. Once they get the address, they send a photo of a fake parcel. Then, a call comes in which someone pretends to be an officer from Delhi or Mumbai airport and demands money in the name of customs duty. If you pay, they demand more. If you refuse, they threaten to leak the video or call the police.

Cyber ​​expert explains how to avoid fraud
Ajay Singh explains some easy ways to avoid fraud:
- Don't chat with strangers. Most profiles are fake.
- If someone wants to send expensive gifts quickly, don't trust them.
- Customs or courier officials never call and ask for money.
- Never send money through UPI or a link.
- Never share your home address, Aadhaar, photos, or videos.
- If someone threatens you, understand that it's a scam.
- Be sure to tell someone at home and file a police complaint.
- Report suspicious numbers and profiles to the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.