As an addition to the web of online scams, in the latest case, a woman, a resident of Chandigarh, fell victim to a scam involving the linkage of Aadhar and SIM card scam, where she lost a massive sum of Rs. 80 lakh.

The victim, a resident of Sector 11, Chandigarh, reportedly received a call from someone posing as a police official from the Mumbai Crime Branch, according to a report by Tribune India. The caller claimed that illicit money laundering was taking place using a SIM card that was provided as her Aadhaar card.

The fraudster told the victim that 24 money laundering complaints had been made against her to seem convincing. Subsequently, the caller threatened to have the victim arrested. The victim, terrified and trying to stay out of problems with the law, carefully followed the caller's directions. As part of an ongoing inquiry, the caller requested that she put Rs 80 lakh into a designated bank account to clear her name. If it proved that she was innocent, the money would be reimbursed. The woman transferred the money in a desperate attempt to clear her name, only to discover later that she had been tricked.

Aadhar and Sim Card scam
Image Source: PortSwigger

The con artist had vanished into thin air before the victim realized what had happened, and there was no way to get the money back. The cybercrime police station has received a case, and an investigation has been started.

A network of internet frauds is presently plaguing India; thousands of people have lost millions and crores as a result. Con artists are always coming up with new ways to fool people and take their money. It emphasizes how crucial it is to exercise caution.

One needs to always confirm the caller's identity. Sincere representatives will never call you and demand money or personal information. Make a second check by giving the company a call at a confirmed number. Never give out your bank account information, Aadhaar number, or OTP over the phone. This is not how legitimate organizations will ask for this kind of information.

Calls that threaten you into taking urgent action should be avoided. Law enforcement organizations don't use phone threats to make arrest threats; instead, they adhere to the correct legal processes. Before doing anything, check with friends, relatives, or reliable sources if you receive a questionable call. Getting a second viewpoint helps avoid making a hasty judgment.

Notify your service provider and the authorities right once if you get any questionable calls or texts. Prompt reporting can aid in the investigation and possibly stop more fraud. Verify any claims about Aadhaar or other official papers using official means, such as government websites and helplines. The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) launched a web portal called Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) to check SIM card issues under one ID.

Above all, be informed of the most recent fraud schemes and tactics. An effective strategy for stopping cybercrime is raising awareness.

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