Agra, Uttar Pradesh– A shocking incident in Agra has highlighted the dangers of cybercrime as a woman tragically lost her life after receiving a fraudulent call claiming her daughter was involved in a sex scandal. The distressing event unfolded on September 30, when Malti Verma, a 58-year-old teacher at the Government Girls Junior High School in Achhnera, was targeted by scammers impersonating police officers.
The caller, who used a WhatsApp number and displayed a photo of a police officer to lend credibility to the ruse, told Verma that her daughter had been caught in a sex racket. In an alarming turn, the caller demanded one lakh rupees (approximately $1,200) for her release within a mere 15 minutes, threatening that a video would be made viral if the money was not sent. To add to the horror, a voice pleading for help, allegedly belonging to her daughter, was heard in the background.
Overcome with fear and disbelief, Verma immediately relayed the shocking news to her son, who attempted to reassure her that it was a scam, emphasizing that her daughter was safe and studying in college. Despite his efforts, the emotional toll proved overwhelming. Witnesses report that Verma went into shock and suffered a heart attack shortly after the call. Family members rushed her to the hospital, but unfortunately, doctors declared her dead upon arrival.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to exploit vulnerable individuals, often causing irreversible harm. Local authorities and cybersecurity experts are urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. They emphasize the importance of verifying any distressing information through official channels before taking action.
As the investigation into this case continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated teacher and mother, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention against the increasing threat of cybercrime.
