Online scamsters, who earlier used the names of top companies or foreign banks, have now started sending out fake mails, supposedly from the Reserve Bank of India, claiming that the receiver has won 500,000 British pounds. To give a touch of “authenticity” to the fraud mail, the scamsters even have added the photograph of RBI governor Dr D. Subbarao.
The letter states, “The Foreign Exchange Transfer Department Reserve Bank of India has decided to bring to your attention, that you were listed as a beneficiary in the recent schedule for payment of outstanding debts incurred by the British Government and Swiss World Bank pending since 2000 to 2012 according to your file record with your email address”. The mail then asks the recipient to contact one Dr Herry Ford, United Nations representative (+919920329525).
When Deccan Chronicle traced the number, it was found that the GSM phone number is registered to Vodafone’s Mumbai network. On contacting the impersonator, Dr Herry Ford, he claimed that he is located in New Delhi and to get the money, this reporter would have to first pay Rs 17,500 as crediting fee. “My person from the UN will contact you in Bangalore. You can pay him the money and after that, your lottery money will be deposited in your bank account,” the person on the phone said.
When Deccan Chronicle brought the matter to the notice of the the city cyber crime department, an official informed that one case had already been registered in Bengaluru. “We already have a case on this particular group that is using RBI’s name to cheat people. Most of these people are Nigerian nationals either operating from Mumbai, Delhi or have their cell phone with a Mumbai or Delhi connection,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (Cyber Crime), T.V. Prabhakar.
The cyber crime police, however maintained that people should be on their guard and not fall for such tricks. “Most of these operatives are Nigerian nationals. They get of the jail and go back to doing the same thing. Prosecution is of no use. People should be careful and should avoid falling into such traps,” added Mr Prabhakar.