Patna: A woman in Patna allegedly lost around Rs 80 lakh over nearly one and a half years after cyber fraudsters contacted her on Telegram and allegedly used the names of prominent business figures to gain her trust.
An FIR has been registered at the Patna Cyber Police Station based on a written complaint by a family member. A senior police officer confirmed the case and said the investigation was underway using technical and financial evidence.
Fraudsters allegedly posed as business figures
According to the FIR, the fraudsters initially contacted the woman through Telegram. They allegedly claimed to be prominent business personalities and used the names of well-known entrepreneurs to establish credibility.
The accused reportedly operated Telegram accounts using different identities. Through regular conversations, they allegedly developed a relationship with the woman and gradually gained her confidence.
The fraudsters allegedly used different pretexts to obtain money. At various points, they reportedly promised her jobs with reputed companies or offered to make her a shareholder.
They also allegedly sought money citing the need for emergency medical treatment for an individual.
Money transferred over 18 months
The alleged fraud continued for around one and a half years. According to the complaint, the woman withdrew money from a family member’s savings account and transferred it to bank accounts specified by the accused.
The fraudsters allegedly told her at one point that their bank account had been frozen and assured her that the money would be returned once the issue was resolved.
Trusting these assurances, she allegedly continued making transfers. The amount eventually reached around Rs 80 lakh, according to the FIR.
The family was initially unaware of the transactions, the complaint states.
Missing savings expose alleged fraud
The alleged fraud came to light when a family member went to withdraw money from a bank account and noticed that a substantial amount was missing.
After checking the account details, the family found that large sums had been transferred to multiple bank accounts. Further inquiries allegedly revealed the woman’s prolonged communication with the suspected fraudsters and the transfers made over the previous 18 months.
A complaint was subsequently filed with the Patna Cyber Police Station, leading to the registration of the FIR.
Police trace digital and banking trail
Police are examining Telegram conversations, account details, mobile numbers, bank accounts and transaction records as part of the investigation.
Investigators are also trying to identify the accounts that received the money and trace subsequent transfers to establish where the funds went.
The identities of the people operating the Telegram accounts, as well as the allegations made in the FIR, will be established through the ongoing investigation.
