Patna: Cybercriminals in Patna are deploying increasingly sophisticated tactics, including artificial intelligence (AI), to defraud residents of large sums of money, police have warned.
In one case, a woman from Shastri Nagar was conned out of Rs 1.65 lakh after fraudsters impersonating police officers claimed her daughter had been arrested for drug smuggling. Using AI-generated audio, the gang mimicked the young woman’s distressed voice to convince the victim to transfer the money for her “release”.
Another victim from Boring Road lost Rs 47,000 after receiving an APK file under the pretext of returning goods ordered online. In SK Puri, Rs 40,000 was siphoned from a man’s bank account through UPI transactions carried out without his knowledge.
Fraudsters also targeted an Airtel customer, stealing Rs 30,000 on the pretext of recharging a company number, while a Bihar Special Armed Police Force constable was cheated of Rs 20,000 after being told to “update” his electricity meter.
In the most costly incident, a young man from Digha was duped of Rs 2.89 lakh by a scammer in Gujarat who promised him a job abroad. The con artist sent fake offer letters, air tickets and visa documents via WhatsApp before demanding payment.
Patna Police’s cyber cell has launched investigations into the cases and urged residents to be wary of unsolicited calls or messages, warning that scams are becoming more technically sophisticated and emotionally manipulative.
