Bhopal: Cyber Fraud Hub of MP as Elderly Man, Homebuyer, Investor Cheated in Separate Scams

Bhopal News: The Madhya Pradesh capital is fast turning into a hub of cyber fraud, with nearly half a dozen cases surfacing every day. Despite sustained efforts by the cyber police, fraudsters continue to dupe residents through varied tactics — from fake electricity bill updates to promises of cheap housing and high returns on stock market investments — cheating people of lakhs of rupees.

Rs 70,000 Wiped Out After Depositing Just Rs 12

In one case from Arera Colony, a 63-year-old elderly resident lost Rs 70,000 in the name of an electricity bill update. The accused posed as an official from the electricity department and convinced the elderly man that his bill payment had not been registered. The victim, a resident of Lala Lajpatrai Colony under Habibganj police station limits, received a call from an unknown person a few days ago claiming to be from the electricity department.

The caller told the victim that his electricity bill payment had not gone through and that the online system was not showing the update. He then asked the victim to deposit just Rs 12 to the account provided so the bill could be updated on the computer. As soon as the elderly man transferred the Rs 12, Rs 70,000 was withdrawn from his bank account in two transactions. He only discovered the fraud after receiving a debit alert message. Police have registered a case and begun investigation.

Fraud in the Name of Cheap Housing

In a separate case, a resident of the Housing Board Colony in Awadhpuri area was cheated of Rs 2.5 lakh on the pretext of arranging an affordable house. Police have filed a case against the named accused in this matter. In all these cases, police are tracking down the accused based on mobile numbers, bank account details and transaction records.

Lured with Stock Market Investment Promises

A resident of Saket Nagar under Bagsevania police station area was lured with promises of high profits from stock market investments. The fraudsters got him to deposit Rs 7,35,000 through various means. When the money was not returned, he filed a police complaint.

Rs 50,000 Stolen After OTP Was Sought

A resident near Chakki Chauraha under TT Nagar police station area was cheated of Rs 50,512 after fraudsters obtained his credit card OTP. Similarly, Rs 2,74,000 was withdrawn from the account of a resident of Bhim Nagar under Arera Hills police station area.