Scam alert! Fraudsters pose as NCB officers to extort Rs1 crore from builder in Ahmedabad

Crime News: A real estate developer in Ahmedabad became the victim of a sophisticated digital scam, allegedly losing ₹1 crore to fraudsters who impersonated officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The scammers claimed the builder was involved in a drug trafficking case, using threats of serious legal action to coerce him into making a large payment.

The Deceptive Phone Call and Fraudulent Threats

The incident unfolded on July 3, when the builder received a phone call from someone posing as a representative from a well-known courier service. The scammer informed the builder that a parcel under his name containing 550 grams of illegal drugs had been seized. Shortly after, the call was transferred to individuals pretending to be NCB officials, who claimed that a criminal case had been filed against the builder.

The fake officers alleged that his bank transactions had become suspicious and would be further investigated by agencies such as the CBI and ED. The scammers worked quickly to build trust, referencing the builder’s recent ₹50 crore land deal to make their story more convincing.

The Skype Video Call and Demand for Money

To further authenticate their claims, the scammer arranged a Skype video call with a man impersonating an NCB officer. During the call, the fake official instructed the builder to record an online statement, with the assurance that the issue could be resolved quickly. The scammer then demanded that ₹1 crore be transferred to avoid severe legal consequences, promising the money would be refunded within ten days.

The builder, believing the threat to be legitimate and fearing arrest, transferred the money. However, after repeated attempts to contact the scammers and retrieve the funds, the builder realized he had been tricked.

Builder Registers Complaint with Cyber Crime Cell

Four months after the incident, the builder contacted the Ahmedabad cybercrime cell to report the fraud. Law enforcement authorities have since launched an investigation into the scam. The builder’s experience highlights the growing threat of digital scams where fraudsters use fear tactics and impersonation to target unsuspecting victims.

In response to the incident, the courier company clarified that it never contacts customers requesting personal information. It urged individuals to be vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive data over phone calls or messages from unknown sources. The company recommended that anyone receiving suspicious communications should report them immediately to local law enforcement or the cybercrime department.