Wokha Police issues ‘cautionary public notice’ on cyber crimes

EMN
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 6

In view of the increasing cases of fraud through internet/mobile users reported to Wokha Police, Limasunup Jamir, Superintendent of Police, Wokha issued a ‘cautionary public notice’ to avoid solicitation of calls/messages/e-mail from unknown numbers/e-mail ID and to report such matters to the police for verification. Many gullible mobile phone, internet users have been enticed into depositing huge amount of money on the promise of winning lotteries, and other fraudulent processes. Some users have been tricked into disclosing their confidential ATM PIN numbers, passwords by fraudsters posing as Bank officials, the notice stated.
It also further pointed out reports of some public opening numerous Account numbers and then selling off the ATM cards to national and international based fraudsters. Cases of fraudsters/conman posing as religious workers/Christian missionaries have been reported and established, it cautioned.
While stating that some notable cases involving considerable amount of money have been investigated by Wokha Police, the SP also highlight the following modus operandi in the interest of public.

Modus operandi
1. Random calls/appeal from Call Centers/e-mail from persons posing as agents of renowned international and national companies announcing your selection as winner of lottery .E-mail or calls from persons posing as religious workers appealing for transfer of fund outside the country.
2. In order to authenticate their claims, fake documents like clearance certificate from Central Board of Excise and Customs, New Delhi, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Letter of Gurantee, Her Majesty (HM) Revenue & Customs Cash Payment Receipt, Her Majesty’s (HM) Courts affidavit/letter of approval, Certificate of Winning, Delivery diplomat passport scan for identification and security purpose, License for payment etc are furnished via e-mail and insisted for receipt acknowledgement.
3. On furnishing of these documents, prospective clients are then informed that diplomats/company agents will be arriving in the country to make the payment, and directed to make arrangements for clearance of tax and other expenses. Clients are made to give advance payments through local conduit agents Bank Account Numbers on one pretext or the other like for bailing out company foreigner agent stating that he has been arrested and under immigration custody and other excuses.
4. Fake License for payment from High Commission Office, Transfer slip from Credit Control and Wire Transfer Department will be sent and further direction for payment as PIN activation fee, Tax clearance fee etc..
5. Fake ATM Cards packaged in greeting card stating security reasons are despatched with direction for payment as activation/processing fees through different local bank accounts numbers.

In the course of investigation based of mobile calls log, e-mail ID and Bank account numbers, trail has lead mostly to fraudsters within the country. However due to fictitious IDs, cases couldn’t progress much leaving the investigating agencies without much option.
In view of this unprecedented rise in Information technology/cyber related crime, public are cautioned not to solicited calls and mails from unknown/doubtful sources,and stay guarded against any attempt from such fraudsters/conman.