Haridwar: Social media pranks are turning costly for many residents of Uttarakhand, as cyber criminals are using young women to trap people in honeytraps. Victims are being cheated of lakhs of rupees, with fraudsters exploiting emotions, promising high profits in online trading, and resorting to blackmail.
According to police, not only young men but even middle-aged individuals are falling prey to these scams. Many victims avoid reporting the crimes to police out of fear of public shame, allowing fraudsters to continue their activities unchecked.
Cyber criminals are combining love affairs with financial fraud
Officials warn that cyber criminals are combining love affairs with financial fraud, targeting vulnerable individuals who are drawn into online relationships. Once trapped, victims are persuaded to invest in fake trading schemes or are blackmailed using obscene videos.
Safety tips from the police
Be cautious when making friends with strangers online, do not invest based on advice from unknown people, avoid sharing personal information during chats or video calls, verify groups before joining them, do not be tempted by promises of high profits, refuse to pay money in case of blackmail, report fraud or blackmail immediately to the police.
Recent cases in Laksar area
Two young men were honey-trapped by a woman claiming to be from West Bengal. They were forced into fraudulent transactions worth Rs 1.5 crore and later ended up behind bars.
A retired teacher was lured into a love trap by a young woman who convinced him to invest in online trading, cheating him of Rs 7 lakh.
A young man from Luxor was drawn into a relationship and later defrauded of Rs 10 lakh under the pretext of becoming a partner in online trading.
A local businessman was trapped by a woman who made an obscene video and extorted Rs 50,000. He managed to escape further harassment by changing his phone and SIM card.
Awareness and vigilance are the best defenses against such frauds
Inspector-in-Charge of Laksar Police Station, Rajiv Rauthan, said: “People are being continuously made aware of cybercrimes. Staying alert to strangers on social media is essential. Individuals should exercise caution when sharing information or investing based on the advice of unknown persons.”
Authorities emphasize that awareness and vigilance are the best defenses against such frauds. Victims are urged to overcome hesitation and report incidents promptly to prevent further exploitation.