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How Fraudsters Pretend to Be Family and Friends to Steal Money : I lost ₹30,000

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Awareness Impersonation
Table of Contents

My Story: How I Got Scammed
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In a recent incident, I received a call from someone claiming to be a close relative calling from Saudi Arabia. The caller pretended to be in urgent need of money for a medical emergency and asked me to transfer ₹30,000. Trusting the caller’s identity, I sent the money immediately. However, after the transaction I checked with other relatives, and I realized that the call was part of a fraudulent scheme.

How the Fraud Happened:
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  1. Impersonation of a Trusted Person:

The fraudster pretended to be a close relative, using emotional manipulation to gain the victim’s trust. They may have gathered some personal information about the family to make their story more convincing.

  1. Creating a Sense of Urgency:

The caller claimed to be in an emergency situation, such as a medical crisis or a financial problem, and insisted on immediate help. This urgency pressured the victim into acting quickly without verifying the caller’s identity.

  1. Request for Money Transfer:

The fraudster provided bank account details or asked for money to be sent through digital payment platforms, making it easy to receive the funds without revealing their true identity.

  1. Disappearing After the Transaction:

Once the money was transferred, the caller stopped all communication, leaving the victim with no way to recover the funds or trace the fraudster.

Warning Signs: When to Exercise Caution
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🔴 Urgent Requests: The caller creates a sense of immediate crisis, pressuring you to act quickly.

🔴 Emotional Manipulation: Using fear, desperation, or personal relationships to make you feel responsible.

How to Protect Yourself:
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  1. Verify the Caller’s Identity:
    • Always double-check the identity of the caller, especially if they claim to be a relative or friend in distress.
    • Ask personal questions that only the real person would know, such as family details or shared memories.
    • Call back the person using their known phone number to confirm the request.
  2. Avoid Acting in Haste:
    • Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time to verify the situation before sending money.
    • Discuss the request with other family members or friends to get a second opinion.
  3. Be Cautious with Unknown Numbers:
    • If you receive a call from an unknown number claiming to be a relative, be skeptical. Fraudsters often use spoofing technology to fake caller IDs.
    • Do not share personal or financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely sure of the caller’s identity.