Lohardaga News: Cybercriminals Scam ₹1 Lakh From Youth in Jharkhand Using Government Scheme Fraud

Lohardaga, November 21, 2024: In a shocking incident, cybercriminals duped a young man of ₹1 lakh by exploiting government schemes as bait. The victim, identified as Om Prakash Sahu, a resident of Bhitha village in the Bhandra police station area, has filed a formal complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Lohardaga, seeking justice.

Details of the Lohardaga Cyber Scam

Om Prakash Sahu received a call from an unidentified number claiming to represent government schemes launched by the Jharkhand government. The caller assured the victim of financial benefits and deposit of government funds into his bank account. Using this pretext, the cybercriminal persuaded him to share an OTP (One-Time Password) under the guise of completing mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) updates.

Upon sharing the OTP, the scammers siphoned ₹1 lakh from the victim’s account. The funds, according to Sahu, were reserved for medical expenses.

Victim Files Cyber Complaint in Lohardaga

Following the incident, Om Prakash Sahu approached the Lohardaga SP, Haris Bin Zaman, with a detailed written application outlining the fraud. He provided the phone number from which the fraudulent call originated: 9771564004.

In his application, Sahu highlighted the need for prompt investigation and strict action against the culprits to prevent further cyber fraud in Jharkhand. The case underscores the alarming rise in cybercrime, particularly targeting unsuspecting individuals under the guise of government schemes.

Cyber Fraud: A Growing Concern in Jharkhand

The Lohardaga incident sheds light on the increasing prevalence of OTP fraud cases in Jharkhand. Criminals are using sophisticated tactics, often exploiting trust in government initiatives to gain access to personal and financial information.

Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid sharing sensitive information like OTPs, and verify the authenticity of unsolicited calls claiming to offer benefits under government schemes.

Government Schemes Fraud Prevention Measures

The incident serves as a reminder for financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to intensify awareness campaigns about cyber fraud. Measures such as community outreach, workshops and stricter KYC procedures can play a crucial role in reducing these scams.

Law enforcement in Lohardaga is actively investigating the matter to trace the culprits and recover the stolen funds. Citizens are encouraged to report similar incidents to the nearest police station or cybercrime helpline.