In a recent development in Kolkata, Bidhannagar Police made headlines by returning over Rs 2 crores lost in various cyber frauds to 30 residents in the city. The police department highlighted the importance of prompt reporting of cyber crimes in ensuring the recovery of funds before they could be exploited by cybercriminals. While there are still ongoing investigations and pending arrests, authorities assured the public that efforts are being made to track down all perpetrators involved in these fraudulent activities.
One of the victims, Subhash Chandra Sarkar, a retired Haldia Petrochemicals employee, recounted his experience of losing Rs 13.5 lakh to a fraudster posing as a bank manager. The scammer tricked him into disclosing personal information under the guise of updating his KYC details. Fortunately, Sarkar was able to recover Rs 6.5 lakh of his lost funds, thanks to the swift actions of the police.
Similarly, Somdatta Ray, a 29-year-old resident of Salt Lake EE Block, shared her story of falling prey to a Telegram-based work-from-home scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 9.9 lakh. Ray expressed gratitude towards the police for recovering and returning Rs 9.6 lakh of her money, emphasizing the importance of awareness about such fraudulent schemes to prevent others from becoming victims.
Another victim, Doctor Himanish Chowdhury from Baguiati, found himself duped out of Rs 3.5 lakh while trying to cancel a train ticket. The scammers lured him into downloading a screen-sharing app, which enabled them to gain access to his bank details. Thankfully, the police were able to recover Rs 2 lakh of his lost money and return it to him, providing a glimmer of hope in such distressing situations.
Highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals to cybercrimes, Sonawane Kuldip Suresh, deputy commissioner of Bidhannagar Police’s detective department, emphasized the importance of swift reporting of scams through the national cybercrime portal. He encouraged victims to seek assistance from cybercrime police stations to address such fraudulent activities effectively and efficiently.
However, not all victims were able to recover the full extent of their losses. Tegharia resident Arka Mitra, who lost Rs 18 lakh, only received Rs 1.8 lakh back, raising concerns about the timeline for recovering the remaining amount. Despite these challenges, the police reassured Mitra that they were diligently working on his case to secure the remaining funds and bring the perpetrators to justice.
As cybercrimes continue to pose a significant threat to individuals across Kolkata and beyond, the actions taken by Bidhannagar Police serve as a beacon of hope for victims of such fraudulent schemes. By prioritizing the prompt reporting of cybercrimes and deploying effective investigative measures, law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in safeguarding the financial interests and well-being of residents in the face of evolving digital threats.