New extortion scams targeting Parents in Puducherry

Parents, concerned for their children’s well-being or reputation, have been manipulated into paying large amounts, believing they are protecting their child from harm, public humiliation, or even legal troubles.

The Puducherry Cyber Police have received 30 complaints of extortion scams targeting parents of school and college students. According to the police, parents are receiving threatening calls from individuals posing as officials from the CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau, or Cyber Crime Police.

These scams are typically executed through digital platforms, where fraudsters pose as school authorities, educational officials, or even anonymous callers. They contact parents, often making false claims related to their child’s safety, academic performance, or disciplinary issues. In some cases, the scammers have claimed that the students were involved in misconduct, such as being caught in compromising situations, and threaten to share doctored videos or fabricated information unless a sum of money is paid. Other tactics include pretending that the student has been in an accident or needs immediate assistance, playing on the parents' fears and emotions to extort money.

These scammers falsely claim that their children have been arrested for these serious offences and are being held at a police station. To add credibility, the criminals even simulate the sound of their children crying in the background, heightening the emotional distress.

The scammers then demand large sums of money, often asking parents to deposit funds into a specified bank account in exchange for their children's release from these fabricated charges. So far, the Puducherry Cyber Police Station has received 30 complaints, with victims collectively losing up to Rs 20 lakhs to these extortionists.

Investigations have revealed that many of the fraudulent calls originate from Pakistan and other foreign countries. The police are working with schools, colleges, and other educational institutions to raise awareness about these scams. They are also collaborating with cybersecurity experts to track down the perpetrators and are urging the public to maintain caution when receiving unexpected or alarming messages concerning their children.

The Cyber Police are advising the public to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to such scams. They are urging parents to verify the information by contacting the school or college directly before taking any action. The public is reminded to never transfer money based on unverified information received online or via phone calls. The Cyber Crime Wing has made its toll-free helpline available 24/7 at 1930 or 94892 05246 to assist victims and provide guidance while strongly advising everyone to stay alert and report suspicious activities.