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The SCARS Institute Magazine about Scam Victims-Survivors, Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime
Scammers Arrested In India Using A New Return Money Scam Tactic
A New Phone Scam Variation – Demanding the Return of Money Wrongly Sent
Author:
• SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
About This Article
In a recent cyber fraud case in India, a scammer devised a cunning scheme involving a fake hotel website, duping an unsuspecting accountant of Rs 49,500 under the guise of room booking charges. The arrest of the scammer, Zafar Khan, unveiled a sophisticated new scam approach granting scammers easy access to their targets’ mobile numbers.
Leveraging the ‘Friend Search Tool’ app, Khan identified potential victims and initiated phone contact under the pretense of returning mistakenly credited money.
Victims complying unthinkingly faced threats of legal action, illustrating the power of conformity and compliance in scam victims when interacting with authority figures. This case underscores the need for vigilance against evolving cybercrime tactics globally.
Unveiling the Scammer’s New Phone Scam Tactic: The Return Money Scam
The Recent Scammer’s Case
The discovery of the Return Money Scam:
In a recent case of cyber fraud, a scammer devised a clever scheme involving a fake hotel website, duping an unsuspecting accountant of Rs 49,500 under the guise of room booking charges. This incident not only led to the arrest of the scammer, Zafar Khan, but also shed light on a sophisticated new scam approach that grants scammers easy access to the mobile numbers of their targets.
The accountant, seeking accommodation near the airport for three days, fell victim to the scam after making three bank transactions. Subsequently, he lodged a complaint with the DB Marg Police on January 14, prompting an investigation spearheaded by a dedicated team supervised by DCP Mohit Garg.
Following the complaint, the team, led by senior PI Vinay Ghorpade and inspector Vilas Bhosale, apprehended Khan in Bharatpur, of Rajasthan. However, Khan’s arrest this month unveiled a more extensive scam.
Upon seizing Khan’s mobile device and recovering the stolen funds, investigators discovered his use of the ‘Friend Search Tool’ app to identify potential targets. By inputting random mobile numbers into the app, Khan obtained hundreds of contacts from specific localities that could become phone scam victims. Leveraging platforms like Truecaller, he gathered detailed information about these individuals (scam victims) and initiated phone contact under the guise of getting the victims to return money that was overpaid to them (return money scam.)
How this Return Money Scam works:
- Operating under the pretense of mistakenly crediting or depositing an amount of money into the person’s (victim’s) accounts,
- Khan would then persuade the victim to return the money immediately.
- Victims who complied unthinkingly would then return the money.
- Those who resisted returning the money faced threats of legal action.
Additionally, investigators suspect Khan’s involvement in another reported case, indicating a broader network of fraud.
Currently, Khan’s brother Kareem and an accomplice, whose bank account facilitated the illicit transactions, remain at large, underscoring the need for continued vigilance against evolving cybercrime tactics.
However, take note, that this is a scam that will work anywhere in the world, not just in India. Conformity and compliance are powerful desires in scam victims that can be exploited.
Compliance
To further deceive the victim, scammers may employ persuasive tactics, such as impersonating law enforcement officers or banking officials, to instill a sense of urgency and intimidation. Additionally, they may manipulate the victim’s emotions by insinuating dire consequences, including arrest or prosecution, if the repayment is delayed or refused.
Unfortunately, many individuals fall victim to this scheme due to the perceived legitimacy of the communication and the fear of facing legal consequences. Moreover, the psychological manipulation tactics employed by scammers can cloud scam victims’ judgment and compel them to act irrationally out of fear and desperation.
Scam victims often find themselves in a vulnerable position when communicating with authority figures, such as law enforcement officers or supposed representatives from financial institutions. The inherent power dynamics in these interactions, coupled with the victim’s desire to comply and conform, create a fertile ground for manipulation by scammers. Faced with the perceived authority of the individual on the other end of the line, victims may feel compelled to acquiesce to their demands without question, fearing the repercussions of non-compliance.
The psychological pressure exerted by authority figures can further exacerbate this tendency to comply. Victims may experience heightened anxiety and a sense of urgency to adhere to the directives issued by these figures, even if they harbor doubts or suspicions about the legitimacy of the situation. Additionally, the fear of facing punitive measures, such as arrest or legal action, can drive victims to prioritize obedience over critical thinking, leading them to overlook red flags and warning signs of potential scams.
Summary
This is yet another example of how scammers can exploit their victim’s uncertainty and confusion. By asserting authority the average person would want to comply to avoid prosecution or liability, but in doing that they become an unwitting victim of a scam.
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Important Information for New Scam Victims
Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
SCARS Institute now offers a free recovery program at www.SCARSeducation.org
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Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
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