Berhampur, Odisha: Berhampur University Vice Chancellor Geetanjali Dash fell victim to a digital arrest cyber scam, losing ₹14 lakh to a fraudster impersonating an ED officer, police reported on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on February 12 when Ms. Dash received a call from a fraudster to be an ED official. The caller falsely accused her of involvement in a financial case, alleging that crores of rupees had been deposited into a bank account in her name.
The fraudster informed her that she was under “digital arrest” and demanded ₹14 lakh to secure her release. Ms. Dash transferred the amount to an account specified by the scammer.
Later the Vice Chancellor lodged a complaint at the Cyber Police Station on February 24. Berhampur SP Saravan Vivek confirmed that an investigation is underway, and efforts are being made to track down those responsible.
Ms. Dash stated that the caller, who spoke fluent English, had detailed knowledge about her family. And to manipulate her, the fraudster insisted that she empty her bank account for an audit.
The fraudster refunded ₹80,000 to gain her trust the next day, with assurances that the remaining amount would be returned in phases. However, when the caller stopped responding, she realized she had been deceived and filed an FIR.
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious against such sophisticated digital arrest cyber frauds, emphasizing the importance of verifying any claims made by unknown callers before taking action.
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