Cyber fraud in Punjab: Retired officers, doctors and industrialists also trapped in digital house arrest.
Rohit Kumar, Chandigarh. The incidents of cyber crime in Punjab are no longer limited to common people only. In the last two years, many educated and influential people have become the target of swindlers. In 2023 and 2024, cases of digital house arrest, fake house address and fraud in the name of fake agency were registered, in which retired officers, doctors, industrialists and professors were involved. According to Punjab Police Cyber Cell data, around 600 cases of digital house arrest were registered in 2023, while this number will increase to more than 1,200 in 2024.
The total amount of fraud is estimated to be more than Rs 300 crore. Investigation revealed that the fraudsters already had the complete house address, family information and bank details of the victims. Data sources include leaked apps, e-commerce platforms and internet media. Experts say that educated people are becoming victims of fraud because they trust the system and the law. Fraudsters mislead them by using official language, fake uniforms and digital fear.
According to officials, cyber fraud is no longer a local crime, rather it has become a well-planned network operated by foreign numbers and organized gangs based in other states. Fraudsters are targeting people of Punjab through internet calls and international numbers coming from Dubai, Cambodia, Myanmar and Nepal, while money is being transferred to accounts in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. This network of fraud has become so professional that exhausted and stressed victims do not even realize that they are victims of a crime.
In the name of digital house arrest, fake CBI, ED officers, money laundering cases and fake house addresses, fraudsters first create fear and then take them into mental captivity through video calls. The callers already have the victim's complete address, mobile number, bank details and family information, making the call appear completely genuine. This is the reason why even educated people and those who held high positions in Punjab could not escape this trap in the last two years.
Major events so far
2023 July: In Mohali, retired IAS officer RK Verma was arrested through digital house arrest by thugs pretending to be CBI officers over video call. He was pressurized not to leave the house or talk to anyone for three days. During this period, Rs 1 crore 20 lakh was transferred to different accounts.
2023 November: In Ludhiana, industrialist Sanjay Gupta was called as a fake Enforcement Directorate officer. The thugs already had his complete house address and bank details. By showing fear, Rs 80 lakh was transferred online from him.
2024 February: In Amritsar, cardiologist Dr. Harpreet Singh was arrested under digital house arrest over a video call in the name of a fake police officer. During the call, the thugs cheated Rs 45 lakh by showing fake uniform and ID.
2024 June: In Jalandhar, Professor Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma was kept on video call for three days and he was defrauded of Rs 25 lakh. The fraudsters used legal language and fear to make the call appear genuine.
2024 September: Fake ED notice sent to the family of retired judge Justice BS Dhillon in Patiala. His son was threatened over video call that his property would be confiscated. In an atmosphere of fear, Rs 60 lakh was transferred to the accounts of the swindlers.