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India is currently grappling with a web of online fraud that has cost thousands of billions. Scammers are constantly developing new methods to trick people and steal their money. In the latest case of online fraud, a woman from Chandigarh fell victim to a sophisticated fraud and lost Rs 80 lakh to fraudsters posing as crime branch officials. What is notable about this case is that fraudsters targeted Aadhaar and SIM card links to blackmail the victims. According to a Tribune India report, the victim, a resident of Sector 11 in Chandigarh, received a call from a person claiming to be a Mumbai Crime Branch police officer. The caller claimed that the SIM card issued for his Aadhaar card was being used for illegal money laundering activities. In order to appear trustworthy, the fraudster told the victim that there were 24 money laundering charges against him. The caller then threatened to arrest the victim. The victim panicked and tried to avoid legal trouble, but paid close attention to the whistleblower's instructions.

To settle the case, as part of the ongoing investigation, the caller demanded a deposit of Rs 8 million in a specific bank account and promised to return the money in case of acquittal. Desperate to clear her name, the woman transferred the money but later discovered she had been scammed. By the time the victim realized the fraud, the fraudster had disappeared without a trace and the funds could no longer be reclaimed. A case has been filed with the Cyber Crime Police Base and investigations are ongoing.

This is another incident that shows how scammers develop their techniques to deceive people. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance. Here are some important tips to protect yourself from such scams.

Always verify the caller's identity. Real officials never ask for personal information or money over the phone. Verify by contacting the organization directly on the verified contact number.

Do not share sensitive personal information like Aadhaar number, bank details, OTP etc. over the phone. No legitimate organization will request such information in this manner.

Beware of calls that use scare tactics to force immediate action. Law enforcement follows proper legal procedures and does not threaten arrests over the telephone.

If you receive a suspicious call, contact a family member, friend or trusted source before taking action. A second opinion can prevent you from making a hasty decision.

If you see any suspicious calls or messages, report them to the police and your service provider immediately. Early reporting can help prevent further fraud and aid investigations.

Use official channels such as government websites and helplines to verify claims related to Aadhaar or other official documents.

Most importantly, stay up to date on the latest scams and fraud techniques. Education is an effective tool for preventing cybercrime.