Goel highlighted the various methods that are actively being used by fraudsters to dupe investors such as lucrative investment opportunities, illegitimate bank transfers and cryptocurrencies. Acknowledging the growth of Indian crypto users, Goel added:
“They [fraudsters] ask you to share your cryptocurrency details. And once you put it in your wallet, then the money is taken away.”
After simplifying the elaborate fraud in a sentence, Goel also highlighted that sixteen such cases have been registered involving cryptocurrencies.
The Additional Commissioner of Police Shikha Goel warned Indian citizens about the rise in cybercrime in an event hosted by the city police of Hyderabad, India, suggesting not to transfer cryptocurrencies to unauthorized private wallets.
Do not transfer your cryptocurrency to unauthorised private wallets
Dont fall prey to fraudsters #BeCyberSmart pic.twitter.com/eJOwsnLSmX— Shikha Goel, IPS (@AddlCPCrimesHyd) December 26, 2021
As a fair warning to the Indian crypto investors, the commissioner said:
“If you are going to be using or investing in cryptocurrency, please go only to the reputed and long-established players in this field.”
Speaking to local news The Hindu, Goel revealed that 14 out of the 16 crypto fraud cases were directly related to investment and trading. Typically, the fraudsters convince the victims to transfer their newly purchased cryptocurrencies for higher profits, which according to Goel:
“People have been cheated of 3.45 crore rupees (roughly $458,000) in their greed for higher returns against investment in cryptocurrency.”
DIAL 155260 to report financial cyber fraud like OTP , UPI or any other cyber crime where you have lost money
And yes do not delay in informing
If you inform us on time on this helpline chances of retrieving the amount are high #BeCyberSmart pic.twitter.com/HgXF34h2ko— Shikha Goel, IPS (@AddlCPCrimesHyd) December 26, 2021
“Once you get cheated, it is a dead-end. Virtual money can never be traced back and returned to the original owner,” she concluded.
Related: Indian state government to accredit Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 blockchain startups
The state government of Telangana also leads India’s blockchain efforts as it launches India Blockchain Accelerator program to foster early-stage Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 startups and blockchain developers.
Speaking to Cointelegraph, Rama Devi Lanka, Telangana government’s director of emerging technology, shared her interest to use blockchain technology for solving real-world problems, adding:
“The Telangana government will help provide the required regulatory framework to enable and promote blockchain growth.”