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In a disturbing case of cybercrime, textile baron and Chairman of the Vardhman Group, SP Oswal, has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam that involved a fake Supreme Court hearing presided over by an individual impersonating Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The fraudsters, leveraging technology to mimic legal proceedings, successfully swindled ₹7 crore from Oswal after convincing him to participate in a fabricated money laundering case. The scam highlights the growing vulnerability of individuals and organizations to cybercriminals who exploit trust and legal systems for financial gain.
The perpetrators orchestrated the elaborate scheme by conducting a fake court hearing over Skype. They introduced a person posing as Justice Chandrachud, although Oswal was unable to see the individual's face. However, he could hear the impersonator's voice and the sound of a hammer striking a table, creating a convincing illusion of an authentic court proceeding. The fraudsters even produced a seemingly genuine Supreme Court order, complete with official stamps, further bolstering their credibility. Oswal, believing the proceedings to be genuine, transferred the substantial amount of money as instructed.
The incident exemplifies the alarming trend of 'digital arrest' scams, where fraudsters employ impersonation and technology to extort money from unsuspecting victims. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has recognized the severity of these scams and has taken action to counter them. The I4C has successfully blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs used for these scams. However, the ongoing nature of these scams highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance among the public. Individuals should be cautious about unsolicited communications from unknown individuals, especially those claiming to represent official institutions. Verifying the authenticity of such communications is crucial, particularly when dealing with matters involving legal proceedings or financial transactions.
Source: Scammers Fake Supreme Court Hearing & Impersonate CJI, Dupe Industrialist Of ₹7 Crore