The Noida Cyber Crime unit recently prevented potential losses of several crores of rupees by identifying seven “live victims” who were in the process of being scammed through an online investment fraud network. The police directly contacted the victims and convinced them to stop all further transactions, thereby disrupting the active fraud operation.
Details of the Prevention
“Live Victims” Identified: By scanning mule bank accounts used by fraudsters, the Noida cyber team identified seven individuals across the country who were currently engaged in an investment scam.
Method of Fraud: The victims had been lured through social media platforms into fake stock market and investment schemes promising high returns. One individual had already invested ₹40 lakh.
Police Action: The cyber team coordinated with local police in the victims’ native regions and intervened directly. They explained the nature of the scam to the individuals, convincing them to halt any more payments.
Outcome: The timely intervention prevented significant further financial losses for these victims and disrupted the operations of the fraud network.
Official Recognition: Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna lauded the Noida Cyber Unit for this proactive measure, describing it as a “model of preventive cyber policing”.
Broader Efforts
The Noida Police are engaged in ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, including:
- Awareness Campaigns: Conducting extensive public awareness sessions and campaigns, such as “Cyber Awake India,” to educate citizens about common scams like investment, “digital arrest,” and KYC update frauds.
- Arrests and Recoveries: Regularly busting fraud syndicates and arresting numerous individuals. In past operations, they have recovered substantial amounts of money; for instance, ₹9 crore was recovered and 52 arrests were made over a four-month period.
- Inter-Agency Cooperation: Collaborating with other national and international agencies, such as the CBI, FBI, and UK’s National Crime Agency, to tackle international cyber fraud rackets.
Police emphasize the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to the national cyber helpline 1930 or the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.
