Retired employee loses 82 lakh in fraud scheme involving fake officials

Kanpur: A retired employee of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation fell victim to an 82 lakh rupees fraud scheme through threats involving the Income Tax deptt, police, and CBI. The pensioner reported the incident to both the cyber helpline and cyber police station.

The fraudsters kept Vinod Kumar Jha, who lives in Shatabdi Nagar, under digital surveillance for 44 days while accusing him of money laundering. Upon discovering the deception, he registered a complaint at the cyber police station.

Vinod Kumar Jha, who resides at Himalaya Bhawan in Shatabdi Nagar, previously worked at the Employees' Provident Fund. He said that on February 12, he answered a call from an unfamiliar number. The caller claimed to be an income tax officer and stated that Jha owned Global Trading Company in Delhi, which supposedly owed Rs 8,62,000 in corporate tax. When Jha contested this ownership, the caller threatened police action and connected him to another person claiming to be police officer Vikram Singh, who provided documentation and an FIR number.

Subsequently, the call was directed to an alleged CBI officer, Payal Thakur, who claimed Jha was implicated in money laundering and required account investigation.

Thakur promised the return of his funds post-investigation. The fraudsters maintained complete control, stating he would remain under digital arrest until case resolution and subsequent bail. The perpetrators maintained WhatsApp communication, and while under their influence, Jha transferred Rs 82 lakh through RTGS in three separate transactions during video calls. His digital detention lasted until March 24. After receiving the money, the fraudsters became unreachable, leading Jha to realise he was deceived.

Sunil Verma, the cyber police station officer in charge, confirmed receiving the victim's report and indicated that subsequent actions would follow the investigation's findings.