Courier Scam Exposed: Rs 10 Lakh Stolen in Coimbatore
Recently, a disturbing rise in courier scams has been observed, with a notable case involving a 25-year-old woman from Coimbatore. Rithika from Selakarichal fell victim to a fraudulent scheme, losing Rs 10 lakh. This incident prompted swift action from the Coimbatore rural cybercrime police.
How the Scam Unfolded
Rithika received a call on September 20, 2024, allegedly from a FedEx representative in Mumbai. The caller falsely claimed that a package linked to her identity contained illicit substances. To substantiate this claim, scammers coerced Rithika into a Skype video call, where they posed as cybercrime officials from Mumbai. Under duress, she disclosed her bank details and other sensitive information.
Deception and Extortion
The scammers threatened Rithika with legal consequences if she did not comply. Believing that Rs 10 lakh was necessary for verifying the package and would be reimbursed, Rithika transferred the funds to multiple accounts specified by the scammers.
Realization of Fraud
When the promised reimbursement never materialized, Rithika realized she had been duped. She promptly reported the incident through the national cybercrime reporting portal.
Police Action and Investigation
Upon receiving her complaint, the Coimbatore cybercrime police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and the Information Technology Act. Led by sub-inspector Ananth, they traced and froze bank accounts associated with the scam, which were linked to similar fraud cases in several states including Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Arrest and Seizure
A special police team, under sub-inspector Marimuthu, apprehended one of the key suspects, Gopi Kumar, aged 42, in South Delhi. Upon his arrest, authorities seized mobile phones, debit cards, SIM cards, laptops, and other digital devices believed to be crucial to the scam operation. Efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest other associates involved in the fraud.
Conclusion
Investigations into this case continue, with authorities committed to bringing all perpetrators of this elaborate scam to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercriminals targeting innocent victims through sophisticated schemes.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
