It was a seemingly ordinary day when a father, sitting with his son beside him, suddenly received a disturbing phone call. On the other end, a voice claimed, “Hello, I’m calling from the police station. Your son is in police custody along with three girls. He has been arrested in a rape case. If you make a payment now, I can release him. Otherwise, he will be sentenced to 20 years in prison.”
Shocking as it may sound, such fraudulent calls are becoming increasingly common, and anyone could be a target.
A recent incident in Munger district of Bihar’s Khagaria brought this issue into the spotlight. Dr. H. Prasad, a well-known physician, received a fake WhatsApp call from someone pretending to be a police officer. The caller alleged that Dr. Prasad’s son had been arrested in a rape case and demanded ₹50,000 for his immediate release. The caller warned that failure to pay would result in a 20-year prison sentence for his son.
However, what the fraudster did not know was that Dr. Prasad’s son was sitting right beside him at that very moment. Recognizing the scam instantly, Dr. Prasad kept his composure and decided to play along to gather more information. Pretending to believe the caller, he engaged in conversation and skillfully kept the person talking while recording the entire exchange on video.
Eventually, the scammer’s story began to fall apart, and realizing he was being outsmarted, the caller abruptly hung up. Dr. Prasad’s quick thinking not only prevented a potential loss but also helped expose the modus operandi of such criminals. The recorded video has since gone viral on social media, serving as a warning to others.
The Rising Threat of Fake Arrest Calls
Cases like this are on the rise, with scammers using fear as their primary weapon. They often research their targets beforehand, gathering enough personal details to make their lies sound convincing. By creating a false sense of urgency, they aim to pressure victims into transferring money without verifying the facts.
In many cases, these fraudsters claim that a family member has been involved in an accident, crime, or other legal trouble, and that immediate payment is required to “resolve” the issue. Their persuasive tactics are designed to trap even cautious individuals, especially when emotions are high.
How to Protect Yourself
Cybercrime experts emphasize the importance of remaining calm when receiving such calls. Instead of panicking or rushing to comply with the caller’s demands, one should first confirm the safety of the alleged person in trouble. Directly contacting family members, local police stations, or using official helplines can prevent falling victim to such scams.
People are advised never to share personal information, transfer money, or trust unknown callers without proper verification. Staying alert and informed is the most effective defense against such criminal schemes.
Dr. Prasad’s experience is a reminder that awareness and presence of mind can protect us from these fraudulent traps. In an age where deception is just a phone call away, vigilance is not just important—it is essential.
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