Cybercriminals Dupe Delhi Man of ₹9.67 Lakh by Falsely Linking Him to Pulwama Attack Investigation
A shocking case of cyber fraud has surfaced in Delhi, where scammers posing as government officials tricked a 32-year-old man into transferring ₹9.67 lakh. The fraudsters falsely claimed that the victim’s name had appeared in the Pulwama terror attack investigation, using fear and intimidation to extract money under the pretext of a so-called “digital arrest.”
Fake Officials and a Terrifying Allegation
According to reports, the victim, a resident of Karol Bagh, received multiple calls in August from unknown numbers. The callers claimed to be from government agencies investigating the Pulwama attack and alleged that a bank account in Kashmir had been opened under his name with ₹50 lakh deposited in it. They accused him of involvement in suspicious financial activities linked to terrorism.
The fraudsters instructed the man not to disclose the matter to anyone, claiming it was a “highly confidential investigation.” They then asked him to turn on his camera and lock himself in a room, making the situation even more intimidating.
Impersonating Anti-Terror Officers
To make the scam appear legitimate, the cybercriminals connected the victim to another caller who introduced himself as the head of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The impersonator told the victim that he needed to visit Lucknow for questioning and that, before the investigation, his funds had to be verified and deposited in a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) account.
Believing the story and fearful of legal consequences, the man followed their instructions and transferred large sums of money as “security deposits.”
Fear Leads to Financial Loss
Trapped in fear, the victim transferred ₹9.67 lakh from two of his personal bank accounts to the scammers’ account. After the transactions were complete, the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹4 lakh. When the victim refused, they abruptly disconnected the call and switched off their phones.
It was only then that the man realized he had been duped. Distressed and mentally shaken, he approached the police and lodged a complaint against the unidentified individuals.
Police Action and Investigation
The Karol Bagh Police Station registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with cheating and impersonation. Police officials are now tracing the culprits through the bank accounts and mobile numbers used during the fraud.
Investigators have also sought technical assistance from cybercrime experts to track digital footprints. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and never share personal or financial information over unsolicited phone or video calls.
A Growing Trend in Cybercrime
This case adds to a rising number of digital impersonation scams in India, where criminals pretend to be government or law enforcement officers. Such scams often involve fabricated stories about criminal investigations, illegal bank transactions, or involvement in money laundering.
The scammers use fear tactics to pressure victims into transferring money to “official” accounts for verification or clearance. Victims often comply out of panic, only to realize later that the entire incident was staged.
Police Advisory: How to Stay Safe
Authorities have issued several safety guidelines to help citizens avoid falling prey to similar cyber scams:
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Do not respond to unknown numbers claiming to be from government agencies.
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Never transfer money to accounts mentioned during such calls.
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Avoid video calls or “digital arrests” where fraudsters try to intimidate you.
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Verify information by contacting the official helpline numbers of the concerned department.
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Report incidents immediately to the nearest police station or the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930).
Conclusion
The Pulwama-linked cyber fraud case serves as a chilling reminder of how criminals exploit fear and national security concerns to manipulate innocent citizens. Delhi Police continue to investigate the case and have urged the public to remain alert, especially against those impersonating law enforcement officials.
Digital literacy and awareness remain the strongest defense against such scams — citizens must remember that no genuine investigation ever demands money transfers or digital arrests over phone calls.
