Cyber criminals have found a new way to scam people in Bhopal by using Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to make fraudulent calls. The latest modus operandi involves a computer-generated voice calling random mobile numbers and threatening the user that their mobile number will be disconnected within two hours unless they press ‘9’ to continue using it. This tactic has successfully tricked many individuals into giving away their money to the fraudsters.
According to senior police officers, these cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new schemes to deceive their victims. It is crucial for the public to be cautious and not trust any unknown caller demanding money or personal information. Sameer Khan, a resident of Jehangirabad, was targeted by one of these calls but fortunately did not fall for the scam. He received a call telling him that his mobile number would be disconnected and was asked to press ‘9’ to avoid it. Sameer had recently recharged his phone with a six months validity card, which made the call even more convincing. However, he decided to disconnect the call and shared the recording with a WhatsApp group, where other members reported receiving similar calls.
While the police have not yet received any formal complaints regarding this particular scam, it is evident that such calls can easily manipulate people’s emotions and beliefs. The cyber criminals prey on the fear of losing essential services like phone connections or electricity, causing individuals to act quickly without thinking rationally. Once the initial contact is made, the fraudsters employ various tactics to gain access to sensitive information or convince the victim to transfer money.
An officer from the cyber-crime branch warned about the dangers of blindly trusting unknown callers and urged the public to question them before sharing any personal information or money. It is essential to verify the legitimacy of the caller and seek confirmation from relevant authorities or family members before taking any further action. Additional DCP Shailendra Singh Chouhan emphasized the importance of exercising caution when money is requested over the phone or online, as there is no guarantee that the individual on the other end will fulfill their promises.
In case of any suspicious activities or cyber fraud, individuals are advised to contact the National Cyber-crime helpline number 1930 or inform the local police immediately. By staying vigilant and questioning unusual requests, the public can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive practices. It is crucial to report any fraudulent incidents promptly to prevent further harm to oneself or others in the community.