Youth Loses ₹1.78 Lakh After Blackmailers Threaten to Leak Obscene Video from Pakistani (+92) Number
Patna, July 16: In another alarming case of cyber fraud, a young man allegedly lost ₹1.78 lakh after being blackmailed by cybercriminals who threatened to circulate an obscene video online. The fraudsters reportedly contacted the victim using a phone number with Pakistan's country code (+92) and claimed they possessed compromising content that would be shared on social media if he failed to pay.
Fearing damage to his reputation, the victim transferred a total of ₹1.78 lakh to the accounts specified by the callers. When the demands for more money continued, he realized he had fallen victim to a cyber extortion scam and approached the police.
Call Received from a Pakistani Country Code
According to the complaint, the victim received an unexpected call from an international number beginning with +92. The caller claimed to possess an objectionable video allegedly involving the victim.
The fraudsters threatened to upload the video to social media platforms and share it with the victim's relatives, friends, and acquaintances unless he paid them immediately. They repeatedly called and messaged him, creating intense psychological pressure.
Fear of Defamation Used as a Weapon
The cybercriminals allegedly exploited the victim's fear of public embarrassment. They warned him that refusing to pay would destroy his social reputation.
Panicked by the threats, the victim transferred ₹1.78 lakh in multiple transactions to the bank accounts provided by the accused.
Despite receiving the money, the fraudsters allegedly continued demanding additional payments, raising the victim's suspicion.
Victim Realizes He Has Been Scammed
When the repeated demands for more money did not stop, the victim consulted someone he knew and realized that he had become the target of a cyber sextortion scam.
He subsequently reported the matter to the police, providing details of the calls, messages, and financial transactions.
Police Register Case and Begin Investigation
Following the complaint, police registered a case and launched an investigation. Cybercrime experts are examining call records, bank transactions, mobile numbers, and other digital evidence.
Investigators are also trying to determine whether the international number was genuine or whether internet-based calling services (VoIP) were used to disguise the callers' identity.
How Cyber Blackmail Gangs Operate
According to cybersecurity experts, such gangs often contact victims through video calls, social media platforms, or messaging applications.
They may use screen recordings, manipulated videos, or fabricated claims to intimidate victims into making payments. In many cases, the criminals may not even possess genuine compromising material but rely solely on fear and psychological pressure to extort money.
Police Advisory
Police have urged the public to follow these precautions:
Be cautious when receiving calls from unknown international numbers, including those beginning with +92.
Never transfer money in response to threats or blackmail.
If someone threatens to leak personal or objectionable content, immediately contact the cybercrime police instead of panicking.
Limit the amount of personal information and photographs shared on social media.
Avoid accepting video calls from unknown individuals.
Do not click on suspicious links or download files sent by strangers.
Rise in Cyber Sextortion Cases
Cybersecurity officials have noted a significant increase in sextortion and online blackmail cases across India in recent years.
Criminals exploit victims' fear of social embarrassment and public humiliation to extort large sums of money. Many victims hesitate to report such crimes due to shame or fear, allowing the perpetrators to continue targeting others.
Experts emphasize that timely reporting significantly improves the chances of tracing the offenders and, in some cases, recovering the stolen money.
Technical Investigation Underway
Investigators are analyzing banking records, IP addresses, mobile data, and other digital evidence to identify those involved.
If the money was transferred through multiple bank accounts, police are coordinating with financial institutions to trace the flow of funds. Officials said every effort is being made to identify and apprehend the accused through technical analysis.
Need for Greater Cyber Awareness
Experts believe that as digital technology becomes more widespread, cyber fraud is evolving rapidly.
They recommend regular cyber awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, workplaces, and public institutions to educate people about online fraud and preventive measures.
Police Appeal to Victims
Police have appealed to anyone facing similar threats not to remain silent out of fear or embarrassment.
Victims are encouraged to report incidents immediately to the cybercrime police or the appropriate cybercrime reporting authorities. Early reporting can help investigators act quickly and may improve the chances of preventing further financial loss.
The case, in which a young man allegedly lost ₹1.78 lakh after receiving blackmail calls from a +92 country-code number, serves as a serious warning about the growing threat of cyber extortion. Authorities advise the public not to panic or send money if they receive such threats. Instead, they should preserve available evidence and promptly report the matter to law enforcement so that appropriate action can be taken against the perpetrators.
