Noida Woman Scammed of ₹30 Lakh by Fake TRAI Officials: Cyber Fraudsters Strike with Bold New Tactic
Noida — A disturbing case of cybercrime has surfaced in Noida, where a 40-year-old woman was defrauded of ₹30 lakh by individuals impersonating officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The victim, Priyanka Bansal, a resident of Prateek Wisteria apartments in Sector 77, Noida, lodged a formal complaint with the Noida Cybercrime Police on September 23, detailing the elaborate scam.
The incident began on September 2 when Priyanka received a video call from an unknown number. On the call, the fraudster claimed to be a TRAI representative and warned her that her mobile number was allegedly linked to illegal activities. According to the scammer, the mobile number had been registered using her Aadhaar card, and she was now at risk of being involved in a serious crime.
To escalate the situation further, the fraudster transferred the call to a man dressed as a police officer in Lucknow, adding a layer of authenticity to the deception. This individual, posing as a law enforcement official, sent Priyanka several fake documents over WhatsApp, supposedly from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and TRAI. These documents falsely implicated her in money laundering activities, intensifying the threat.
Pressure and Threats Drive the Scam Forward
The scam unfolded with the fraudsters exerting immense pressure on Priyanka. The so-called police officer threatened her with dire consequences if she refused to cooperate, warning her that the police would raid her home, arrest her, and ruin her reputation. He further claimed that her phone was being tapped and that her bank accounts were being monitored for fraudulent transactions.
To "clear" her name, Priyanka was instructed to transfer funds to a bank account that the scammers claimed belonged to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They insisted that the money was required for obtaining an official clearance report.
Succumbing to their relentless threats, Priyanka eventually transferred a staggering ₹30 lakh from her personal savings to the fraudsters' account. The pressure she faced was overwhelming, as the scammers continuously called her, demanding that she stay in contact until the money was transferred in full.
Scammers Continue Harassment After the Fraud
Even after transferring the funds, Priyanka's ordeal did not end. The fraudsters continued to harass her, making more calls and failing to provide the promised "clearance" of her name. This ongoing harassment not only drained her financially but also severely disrupted her professional life, affecting her ability to focus on work.
Adding to her distress, the fraudsters threatened her further, warning that if she revealed the scam to her family, she would be forced to visit the Lucknow police station for further investigation.
Complaint and Investigation Underway
After enduring weeks of threats and harassment, Priyanka filed a formal complaint with the Noida Cybercrime Police on September 23. The police have since registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter.
Noida authorities have advised residents to exercise extreme caution when receiving suspicious calls, especially those involving requests for money transfers or claims of illegal activity. Cybercrime cases have been on the rise, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, often impersonating officials from trusted institutions like TRAI, CBI, or RBI.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to track down the individuals responsible for defrauding Priyanka. In the meantime, the police urge the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately to avoid falling victim to such scams.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime and the need for increased awareness among the public. Fraudsters continue to prey on unsuspecting individuals by using fear and manipulation, exploiting their trust in official institutions. As the investigation progresses, Priyanka’s case highlights the importance of reporting cybercrime promptly and ensuring that such incidents are dealt with swiftly.
