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New Delhi: Noted philanthropist, author, and Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murthy has become the latest target of a cyber fraud attempt after receiving a hoax call threatening the disconnection of her mobile services. The caller allegedly posed as a government official and attempted to extract sensitive personal information.
According to the complaint filed with the Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police Station on September 20, Murthy received the fraudulent call at 9:40 am on September 5. The number appeared as "Telecom Dept" on the Truecaller app.
The caller introduced himself as an employee of the telecommunications ministry and claimed that Murthy's mobile number, which was registered in January 2020, had not been linked to her Aadhar. He further said that her number had been used to broadcast or access obscene content. This charge was accompanied by threats that her connection would be disconnected by noon the same day.
The complaint states that the caller, described as "rude" and using a fake identity, insisted on extracting personal details to resolve the issue. Murthy realised that it was a scam, Murthy refrained from sharing any information and approached the police. She has sought legal action against the individual for threats, harassment, and attempts at data theft.
In the recent times, cases of "digital arrests" are rising where scammers trick the victims into believing that they are in virtual custody of police or Enforcement Directorate and extort money through fear.
