A professor working with the city’s premier science institute, a teacher at a reputed private school, and a businessman have become the latest victims of phishing in Bangalore.
The three have lost a total of over Rs. 20 lakh in the last month.
The professor, who had applied for visa to go abroad for a guest lecture in September, had received an email from an imposter claiming to be the director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informing him about the foreign trip. The email informed the professor that he mandatorily had to get an “anti terrorism certificate” from the agency by paying Rs. 7 lakh and carry it with him during the trip to avoid legal complications. A few days later, he realised he was duped and reported the matter to the Cyber Crime police.
In another case, a teacher working in a reputed school was duped by a fraudster, who claimed to be the representative of a foreign university. The fraudster promised to get her a Ph.D. and made away with Rs. 3 lakh.
Similarly, a city-based businessman who wanted his son to get a job abroad was duped of Rs. 13 lakh. The son, who completed his B.Sc., was checking online for employment opportunities abroad when he was offered a job with perks from a person claiming to be the CEO of a multinational company in Canada. He was asked to pay Rs. 13 lakh as processing fee. The Cyber Crime police later traced the bank accounts to West Bengal and Mumbai.
According to Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) D.C. Rajappa, at least three phishing complaints are received every week in the city.
“It’s shocking that educated people are falling prey to online fraud despite awareness. Fraudsters lure people with tempting offers. Phishing cases can be reduced drastically if people cross check and verify these claims,” he said.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Economic Offences) D. Roopa said the best way to deal with the online frauds is not to entertain unsolicited emails or phone calls. She cautioned people not to share personal information (passwords, PIN numbers) or bank account details with anybody. Anyone asking for such information could be fraudsters and should not be entertained, she said.
(Names of the victims withheld on request)
Keywords: Imran Gowhar