Ministry Of Home Affairs Warns Against Video Call Scams Targeting Victims For Money
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to be extra cautious of deceptive video calls that prey on people’s emotions and trust.
The scam, which has already led to significant financial loss for victims, involves criminals impersonating old friends or family members in distress, claiming urgent medical emergencies.
According to the Ministry’s recent advisory, the fraudster initiates a video call, introducing themselves as a close friend or relative who urgently needs money due to a health crisis involving a close family member, such as a mother or sister, in the hospital.
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The scam is carried out with high emotional manipulation, making the victim believe they are helping a loved one in a time of need.
In one of the latest incidents, a victim, after receiving such a call, transferred a staggering ₹750,000 to the fraudster’s account.
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However, after the money was sent, the individual realised something was amiss when the scammer failed to answer any follow-up calls. The victim attempted to call back, but the phone remained unanswered, confirming suspicions of fraud.
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The Ministry has emphasised the importance of staying alert in such situations warning that never send money to unknown numbers or individuals without verifying the situation thoroughly.
In case of receiving such suspicious calls, individuals should immediately disconnect and report the incident to the relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reminded the public that the Cybercrime Helpline Number is 1930 or report your complaints via cybercrime.gov.in. This helpline is available to assist with any cybercrime-related issues, including fraudulent calls.
To combat these growing threats, experts are also encouraging people to stay informed about common cyber scams and implement strong security measures on their phones and online accounts.
Cyber hygiene, such as being cautious of unfamiliar numbers, refraining from sharing sensitive information, and regularly updating passwords, can go a long way in protecting oneself from falling victim to such fraudulent activities.
