Nagpur: During the busy period of finalizing electoral rolls, cyber criminals exploited the vulnerability of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Nagpur, targeting at least two individuals. These BLOs, deeply engrossed in their work, fell victim to scams where cyber crooks gained access to their phones and siphoned off money from their bank accounts.
As the district administration in Nagpur focused on compiling electoral rolls, BLOs found themselves particularly susceptible to cyber attacks. Tasked with verifying voter data, BLOs often had their phone numbers publicly available, making them easy targets for cyber criminals. Moreover, the nature of their work meant they were more likely to answer calls from unknown numbers, increasing the risk of falling prey to scams.
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Tuesday 12 Nov. 2024
Nagpur District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar confirmed that two BLOs were indeed targeted by cyber criminals during this period. The incidents occurred when the BLOs received calls from individuals who gained their trust and ultimately deceived them. Although Itankar directed the victims, one of whom was female, to file FIRs with the police, immediate details about the filings were unavailable due to a change in the officer-in-charge at that time.
Reports indicate that the cyber criminals deceived the BLOs into clicking on links under the guise of receiving payments. Once the links were clicked, the criminals gained control of the BLOs’ phones, allowing access to sensitive data, including bank account information. Consequently, the BLOs incurred losses, including compensation for their electoral duties, as the cyber criminals targeted their entire bank accounts.
While cyber fraud remains a persistent challenge, law enforcement agencies, including the police and cyber teams, are actively working to combat it. City Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal emphasized the importance of swift complaint registration, directing all police stations to facilitate the process and engage the cyber team for technical assistance.
Singal highlighted the potential for recovering stolen funds if victims act promptly, citing instances where transactions were successfully reversed through coordination with banks. Additionally, information provided by victims contributes to a centralized intelligence network, aiding in the identification and apprehension of fraudsters.
The incidents underscore the need for heightened awareness and vigilance against cyber threats, especially among individuals handling sensitive data such as BLOs. Prompt reporting and collaboration between law enforcement and banking institutions are crucial in mitigating the impact of cyber fraud and holding perpetrators accountable.
