USED TO CHEAT THROUGH INSTAGRAM AND TELEGRAM, BE CAUTIOUS OF TELEGRAM TASKS, STAY ALERT OF UNKNOWN INDIVIDUALS ON INSTAGRAM: ADGP CYBER

Face2News/Chandigarh 

In a significant breakthrough, the nodal cyber police station of the state has apprehended six interstate cyber criminals responsible for defrauding numerous individuals of substantial sums of money.These cyber criminals operated through various social media platforms, primarily Instagram and Telegram, where they orchestrated their fraudulent schemes.

One of their common tactics involved deceiving victims into transferring money to fake accounts under the guise of various enticing offers.

The cyber police station spearheading the investigation uncovered the intricate methods employed by these criminals. They discovered that the fraudsters would promptly transfer the ill-gotten funds to other fictitious accounts and subsequently withdraw cash.

Sharing information in this regard a police spokesperson stated that the arrests, indicating that four of the cybercriminals were apprehended in Rajasthan, while the remaining two were nabbed in Mewat and Jind, respectively. The individuals arrested had devised multiple strategies to lure and exploit unsuspecting victims, ranging from creating counterfeit social media profiles to impersonating army personnel.

 A victim from Panchkula fell prey to a scam where the cybercriminal posed as an army officer offering a job opportunity as a yoga teacher within the army cantonment. The victim, expecting an advance payment, transferred a significant sum of Rs 1,99,996 via Google Pay ID, only to realise later that it was a ruse.In another case, a resident of Panchkula reported that his friend's son was blackmailed and extorted Rs 51,000 after the cybercriminal produced an obscene video. Additionally, another victim was duped of Rs 90,000 under the pretence of purchasing a bike advertised on Instagram.

Spokesperson said that in one instance, a victim from Panchkula fell prey to a scam where the cybercriminal posed as an army officer offering a job opportunity as a yoga teacher within the army cantonment. The victim, expecting an advance payment, transferred a significant sum of Rs 1,99,996 via Google Pay ID, only to realise later that it was a ruse.In another case, a resident of Panchkula reported that his friend's son was blackmailed and extorted Rs 51,000 after the cybercriminal produced an obscene video. Additionally, another victim was duped of Rs 90,000 under the pretence of purchasing a bike advertised on Instagram.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Cyber Crime, Sh. Amit Dahiya emphasised the swift action taken by the Cyber Nodal Police Station in response to these complaints. The culprits have been presented before the court, and further legal proceedings are underway.

ADGP Cyber Sh. O.P. Singh cautioned the public against falling victim to similar schemes, urging vigilance and awareness. He highlighted the importance of promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the cyber helpline number 1930.

Sh. Singh stressed the prevalence of cybercriminals operating on social media platforms, enticing individuals with various fraudulent schemes, including fake job offers and enticing deals on goods.

He said that the Haryana Police is committed to combating cybercrime and has dedicated resources to educate the public through awareness campaigns and initiatives such as Cyber Awareness Day. With over 1500 calls received daily from fraud victims, law enforcement authorities continue to prioritise swift and decisive action to protect citizens from falling victim to cyber fraud. The general public is urged to remain vigilant and cautious, refraining from succumbing to temptations and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.