Exposed: The Shocking ‘Police Officer’ WhatsApp Call scam
Investigative Report: Unmasking the “Police Officer” Whatsapp Call Scam in India
!Fraudulent Phone Calls
By News 24 Media, Investigative Journalist
Published on April 30, 2024
Introduction
In recent months, a sinister phone scam has been plaguing mobile users across India. Fraudsters, posing as police officers, manipulate unsuspecting victims into believing they are involved in criminal activities. These fraudulent calls often begin with the ISD code for Pakistan (92), adding an international twist to the deception. As complaints surge, it’s crucial to understand the modus operandi of these scammers and learn how to protect ourselves.
The Scam Unveiled- WhatsApp Call scam
The Setup
The scam starts innocuously enough. A call arrives, displaying the +92 prefix, which corresponds to Pakistan. The caller identifies themselves as a police officer from a local station, complete with a fabricated badge number. Their tone is authoritative, and they claim the recipient is implicated in a serious crime.
The Concocted Crime by WhatsApp Call Scam
The “officer” spins a web of lies, alleging crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or involvement in terrorist activities. Fear grips the victim, who is threatened with immediate arrest unless they comply with the caller’s demands.
The Robbery Attempt through WhatsApp Call scam
The scammer then instructs the victim to transfer money to a specific account or share sensitive personal information. Some victims have even been coerced into revealing their bank details, leading to financial losses.
Where to Complain?
Chakshu: Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications/ WhatsApp Call scam
The Indian government has launched the Chakshu portal, a powerful tool to combat such scams. Here’s how you can use it:
- Visit the Chakshu Portal: Go to Chakshu – Report Suspected Fraud Communication.
- Report the Incident: Provide details about the suspicious call, including the caller’s number, date, and time.
- Verification: Verify your identity through a one-time password (OTP).
- Track Your Complaint: You’ll receive a complaint ID to monitor progress.
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The I4C has issued an alert regarding these fraudulent calls. If you encounter such a call, block the number immediately and report it to your telecom service provider (TSP). Remember, reporting within three days ensures further investigation.
WhatsApp Vigilance
WhatsApp advises users to block and report any suspicious calls or messages from unknown international or domestic numbers. Safeguard your details by staying vigilant.
Safeguarding Against Harassment of WhatsApp Call Scam
Hang Up and Block
- Hang up: Don’t engage with suspicious callers. End the call promptly.
- Block the Number: Add the number to your block list to prevent further harassment.
Report to Authorities
- National Helpline Numbers:
- Dial 112 for emergencies.
- 181 for women’s helpline.
- 1930 for cybercrime helpline.
Use the Sanchar Saathi Portal
- Visit the Sanchar Saathi website.
- Click “Continue for reporting” and provide the necessary details.
- Track your complaint using the assigned complaint ID.
Conclusion
As we expose this phone scam, let’s remain vigilant. By reporting incidents promptly and educating others, we can collectively thwart these criminals. Remember, knowledge is our best defence against deception.
!Stay Safe
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only.
For more investigative reports and breaking news, follow News24Media on Twitter: @news24nmedia.
More Articles
GM Breweries Ltd: Brewing Success in Every Sip, A Closer Investment Opportunity
Resurgent Yes Bank Share Price: A Financial Phoenix’s Triumphant Ascent
ICICI Bank App Glitch: ICICI Bank Data Breach Exposes 17,000 Credit Card Holders
Cloud Evolution: IBM’s $6.4 Billion Acquisition of HashiCorp Sets New Industry Standards
EU Sets TikTok Ultimatum Over ‘Addictive’ New App Feature
The Fitness Tracker Market in India and South Asia: Challenges and Growth Prospects
Fixed Deposit Rates in India: A Beacon of Hope for Savvy Investors
Navigating the Storm: How the Iran Israel War Impacts Indian Economy and Investor Sentiments
Driving Innovation with AI and Hybrid Cloud: A Look Ahead
Tesla Electric Vehicle Announces Workforce Reduction Amidst Global Challenges
Discover more from News 24 Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
