Shocking Incident in Sonipat: Retired Officer and Wife Held Hostage, Rs 1.78 Crore Stolen in Cyber Fraud

Sonipat(The Uttam Hindu): In a shocking incident, a retired government officer in Sonipat, Haryana, became a victim of cyber fraud while staying at a hotel. Cybercriminals sent a fake arrest warrant to him, scaring him into compliance. The scam also involved his wife, who was digitally held with him for two days. The scammers managed to extort ₹1.78 crore from the officer.

Here's How the Fraud Unfolded:

The retired officer was staying in a hotel in Sonipat when he received an arrest warrant via a digital platform. The scammers impersonated law enforcement officials, claiming the officer was involved in legal trouble. They used psychological tactics to intimidate him, threatening immediate arrest if he didn’t cooperate.

The officer was manipulated into transferring money to the scammers to "resolve the matter." His wife, who was accompanying him, was also mentally pressured throughout the two days of this digital harassment.

Scammers Used Technology to Perpetrate the Crime:

The fraudsters utilized sophisticated methods, including creating a fake warrant that appeared authentic. They exploited the officer’s fear of public embarrassment and legal trouble. The couple, unaware of the scam, fell victim to the criminals’ demands.

₹1.78 Crore Extorted:

Over the course of two days, the scammers managed to extort a total of ₹1.78 crore from the officer. They claimed these payments were necessary to avoid legal action and "settle the matter" discreetly.

Police Investigation Underway:

The matter came to light after the officer reported the incident to the authorities. Haryana Police have launched an investigation into the case, trying to track down the cybercriminals responsible.

Cybercrime experts are urging people to remain vigilant against such scams. Always verify the authenticity of legal documents and official communications, especially those received through digital platforms.