Aadhaar SIM card link scam: Online fraud is increasing continuously in India. So far, lakhs and crores of rupees of thousands of people have disappeared. Fraudsters are constantly thinking of new ways to cheat people and steal their money. A recent case of fraud has come to light from Chandigarh, where a woman was duped of Rs 80 lakh. This woman was cheated by fraudsters by posing as a Crime Branch officer. What makes this case special is that the fraudsters used the link of an Aadhaar card and SIM card to scare the victim.

Told himself to be a crime branch officer

According to a Tribune India report, a woman living in Sector 11, Chandigarh, received a call from a fraudster posing as a Mumbai Crime Branch cop. The fraudster threatened the woman by saying that the SIM card taken on her Aadhaar card was being used to earn money illegally. Trying to appear trustworthy, the fraudster told the victim that 24 cases of illegal money transfer were registered against him. Then he threatened her with arrest. Out of fear and to avoid legal trouble, the victim carefully followed all the instructions of the fraudster.

Deposited 80 lakh rupees

To settle the matter, the caller said the victim would have to deposit Rs 80 lakh in a specific bank account as part of some investigation. He also said that the money would be returned if she was proven innocent. In a hurry to clear her name, the woman transferred the money, but later realized that she had been duped. By the time the victim realized the fraud, the fraudster had disappeared, and getting the money back was impossible. A case has been registered at the cyber crime police station and investigations are underway.

How to avoid such scams?

- Always check the identity of the caller. Real government officials will never ask for your personal information or money over the phone. Find out for yourself by calling the organization directly on their verified phone number.

- Never share sensitive information like your Aadhaar number, bank details , or OTP with anyone over the phone. No genuine organization will ask for information in this manner.

- Beware of phone calls that try to scare you into making hasty decisions. Real police use legal methods and do not threaten arrest over the phone.

- If you receive a suspicious call, consult your family members, friends ,or someone you trust before taking any action. A second opinion can often prevent hasty decisions.