Cyber fraudsters posing as doctors loot money from pregnant women in Odisha

In a disturbing and shocking incident of cyber fraud, several pregnant women have fallen victim to a new online scam, losing money to frauds posing as doctors and officials of the Women and Child Development Department.

The cybercriminals have been exploiting expectant mothers of their money given under ‘Mamata Yojana’ by posing as doctors and officials from the Women and Child Development Department. The matter came to the fore after an Anganwadi worker and expectant mother lodged a written complaint with Mohana police in Gajapati district.

According to sources, the Anganwadi worker Sunita Nayak received a call from the fraudster who claimed to be a doctor and a member of Women and Child Development Department. He enquired about all the pregnant women who had got money under Mamata Yojana and asked for their phone numbers.

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The fraudsters then manipulated Sunita Nayak into connecting them with a pregnant woman via phone conference. They deceitfully assured everyone of receiving Rs 12,000 as part of the Mamata scheme and consequently obtained their Aadhaar and UPI details.

The unsuspecting women were shocked after one of them later discovered Rs 39,300 had vanished from her bank account in two installments. Later, both the victim and the Anganwadi worker lodged a formal complaint with Mohana police.

“He claimed to be a doctor and directed me to touch the UPI. As soon as I touched the UPI, money automatically got deducted from my account. A total of Rs 39,300 has been deducted,” alleged the victim, Jasmine.

Anganwadi worker Sunita Nayak alleged, “First they call the pregnant women and direct them to follow various steps. They make fake promises that the pregnant mothers would receive Rs 12000, instead of the money provided by the government under Mamata Yojana. Believing them, the pregnant women follow their instructions and lose their money to the fraud.” 

“Many expectant mothers have received calls from the same number. Instead of the double money, the pregnant mothers lose money from their accounts,” she added.

When contacted, Mohana police said they have been alerted about the situation and an investigation is underway to apprehend the fraudsters.