Jamtara No Longer Alone? Bihar Cyber Fraud Cases Raise Alarm, Know How to Protect Yourself

Patna: The name of Jamtara of Jharkhand is often discussed in cases of cyber fraud, but now police action against such organised networks has intensified in Bihar too. Cyberpolice in Patna have busted an interstate gang and arrested 10 people. According to the police, the accused allegedly used to manipulate the identity documents of people from other states and open bank accounts in their names and transact money related to cybercrime. A large number of mobile phones, ATM cards, chequebooks, passbooks and identity documents have been recovered during the raid.  

What was found during the raid in Patna?

Police took action on Shitlanagar Canal Road located in Agamkuan police station area of Patna. According to the investigation, the gang members allegedly used to call people from other states to Patna to get their addresses changed in their Aadhaar cards. After this, accounts were opened in various banks with the help of altered documents. Police have arrested 10 accused. The recovered items include mobile phones, ATM cards, chequebooks, passbooks, SIM cards and documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards. Police are now examining the seized digital devices and banking records to identify the entire network and others associated with it.  

How are transactions worth crores done through rented bank accounts?

In another case related to cyber fraud in Bihar, Patna Police had arrested three people. According to the police, the accused had given their bank accounts to cyber thugs for use. Transactions worth about Rs 25 crore were detected through these accounts. The accused allegedly received commission for every transaction. Such bank accounts are generally called ‘mule accounts’. Cybercriminals use them to receive fraudulent amounts, transfer them to other accounts or withdraw cash. This case is different from the recent episode in which 10 people were arrested.

How was the Digital Arrest gang exposed in Muzaffarpur?

Even in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, action has been taken against the gang committing fraud in the name of digital arrest. Police arrested the accused named Tipu Kushwaha from Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. It is alleged that the gang members, pretending to be police or CBI officers, used to threaten people with arrest and extort money from them. The investigation has revealed that the accused was traced with the help of bank accounts and technical evidence. A police investigation is ongoing in this matter also. 

How to avoid fraud in the name of digital arrest?

Cyber thugs are often called by posing as fake police officers or employees of investigation agencies. They intimidate the victim by threatening to find contraband in the parcel, be named in a criminal case or be arrested. In many cases, pressure is created to remain on the video call and not contact anyone. Keep in mind that no one can be legally arrested through video call in the name of ‘digital arrest’. Do not transfer money when asked by any unknown person and do not share bank details, OTP or ATM information. If cyber fraud occurs, immediately contact the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 or lodge a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.