Resident Duped in Cyber Fraud, Police Recover Rs 5.34 Lakh

A resident of Hamirpur district lost Rs 5.34 lakh to a cyber fraud involving impostors posing as cyber police. The victim was convinced his Aadhaar was used in illegal activities. Police have since recovered the lost amount and are actively pursuing the culprits.

A resident of Hamirpur district fell victim to a cyber fraud after being threatened with arrest by impostors posing as cyber police officials, who claimed his Aadhaar card was tied to illegal activities, officials said on Saturday.

The victim, Bal Chand Rajput, reported losing Rs 5.34 lakh but the police swiftly acted and recovered the amount. Rajput received a call on July 23 from someone claiming to be an employee of FedEx Courier Service, alleging his Aadhaar card was used for a seized illegal parcel. Moments later, he got a WhatsApp call from a supposed DCP Crime Branch, asserting his Aadhaar was linked to underworld and 'hawala' accounts, prompting him to transfer the amount out of fear.

Superintendent of Police Bhagat Singh confirmed the cyber crime cell's involvement in freezing the accounts and subsequently securing a court order for the money's release. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits involved in the fraud.

(With inputs from agencies.)