5 Minutes Read
FedEx Scam: How cyber criminals exploit vulnerable victims
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)
Summary
The biggest weapon of these scamsters is people’s fear or anxieties. They are well-trained, well-spoken and sound very professional. To remain safe from these scams, experts advise people to not answer audio or video calls from unknown numbers, do not share OTPs with unknown people, call Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or reach out to police immediately. They also says that one should not panic if someone shares their personal details. They also advise that one should not overshare on social media.
In a chilling revelation, a woman in Bengaluru fell victim to what is now being dubbed the “FedEx scam,” losing ₹10 lakh and enduring the traumatic coercion of stripping on camera. This distressing incident has brought to light the nefarious tactics employed by cyber fraudsters, leaving a trail of financial ruin and emotional turmoil in its wake. CNBC-TV18‘s reporter, Archana Solanki, delves into the sinister modus operandi of these criminals and uncovers a startling new connection to Cambodia.
The ordeal typically begins with a deceptive phone call bearing the ominous assertion, “Hi, I am calling from FedEx. There is a problem with your parcel.” From this innocuous opening, victims are trapped in a web of deceit, ultimately culminating in devastating losses and, in some tragic instances, even suicide.
Impersonating legitimate FedEx personnel, they fabricate scenarios wherein unsuspecting individuals are informed of parcels purportedly containing contraband, such as drugs or illegal passports.
Subsequently, victims are coerced into engaging with fake officials posing as customs officers, CBI agents, or RBI representatives, their credibility bolstered by meticulously crafted facades, complete with fake offices and fabricated legal documentation. Leveraging the threat of severe legal repercussions, the fraudsters manipulate their targets into surrendering to their demands for monetary settlements.
The psychological warfare intensifies as personal information, ranging from travel and shopping histories to Aadhaar and credit card details, is weaponised to instil fear and compel compliance. In a state of panic, victims often succumb to the demands, resulting in substantial financial losses.
Alarmingly, the majority of victims comprise vulnerable demographics, particularly women and senior citizens, who are disproportionately targeted due to their perceived susceptibility.
Investigations have uncovered a prevalent Cambodia connection in these scams, with IP addresses tracing back to various countries including Vietnam, China, Thailand, Dubai, Myanmar, and Hong Kong. Insights garnered from law enforcement sources unveil the existence of cyber slavery syndicates operating in these regions.
Predatory agents, masquerading as employment recruiters, lure unsuspecting individuals from India with promises of lucrative data entry positions, only to subject them to exploitation upon arrival, confiscating passports and coercing involvement in cybercrimes under duress.
In response to this escalating crisis, governmental efforts to combat cybercrime are underway, with approximately 1,000 individuals repatriated from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. However, challenges persist, exacerbated by a dearth of trained personnel and the transnational nature of these criminal operations.
Compounding the issue are delays in international cooperation and the intricate laundering of defrauded funds through mule accounts and cryptocurrency channels. Despite concerted efforts to curb these illicit activities, the perpetrators continue to exploit vulnerabilities, leveraging platforms like Skype to orchestrate sophisticated digital scams.
In a bid to stem the tide of cybercrime, the Ministry of Home Affairs has mandated proactive measures, including collaboration with technology giants like Microsoft to implement enhanced detection and prevention protocols. Additionally, directives have been issued to monitor extended-duration calls originating from suspected Skype identities, aiming to pre-emptively thwart fraudulent activities.
As the spectre of cybercrime looms ever larger, individuals are urged to exercise vigilance and adopt proactive measures to safeguard their personal information. Heightened awareness, coupled with prudent digital hygiene practices, serves as the first line of defence against the insidious conspiracies of cyber predators. By remaining vigilant, informed, and proactive, we can collectively thwart the menace of cybercrime and protect the sanctity of our digital identities.
Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout
3 Mins Read
Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter
Daily Newsletter
