Bengaluru Lawyer Forced to Strip on Camera, Loses Rs 15 Lakh

Bengaluru: A Bengaluru-based lawyer has become the victim of a horrifying new development in the ongoing FedEx courier scam. The scam, which has defrauded hundreds over the past few years, has taken a disturbing turn with reports of blackmail and forced nudity.

Previously, the scam involved impersonating FedEx employees and accusing victims of receiving illegal packages. Fearful victims were then tricked into revealing personal information and transferring money under the guise of “verification fees.”

However, this recent case exposes a shocking escalation in tactics. The victim, a 29-year-old lawyer, alleges she was extorted for Rs 15 lakh over a 36-hour phone call. The scammers, posing as a customs official and a CBI officer (“Abhishek Chauhan”), fabricated a case of human trafficking and money laundering against her.

The lawyer was coerced into downloading Skype and participating in a video call. Under the guise of an “oath of confidentiality,” she was forced to switch on her camera. The nightmare continued with threats of arrest and violence against her family unless she complied with their demands. This culminated in the horrifying demand to strip on camera, with threats of the video being released on the dark web.

Fearing for her safety and reputation, the lawyer ultimately transferred Rs 15 lakh to the scammers before finally disconnecting the call and reporting the crime to the East CEN police.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybercrime. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. If you receive a call claiming to be from FedEx regarding a suspicious package, do not engage with the caller. Refrain from sharing personal information and immediately contact the cyber police.

FedEx has also issued a statement clarifying that they do not solicit personal information through unsolicited calls or emails. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a communication, always contact the local authorities or report it to the cybercrime department of the Indian government.