13-Year-Old Girl Outsmarts Cyberfraud, Foils Scam Attempt in Nalasopara

The Incident

On a quiet Tuesday, Harshada Goyal, a class eight student, was home alone. Her father was at work, and her mother, Megha, was out in the market. During this time, Harshada received a phone call on her mother’s phone from a man identifying himself as Ashok Sharma. Sharma claimed he needed to transfer ₹15,000 to her father and had been given her mother’s number to complete the transaction via an online money transfer app.

The Suspicious Sequence

Initially, Harshada did not suspect any foul play. Sharma instructed her to check for a money transfer message after supposedly sending the funds. She reported back that she received a message indicating ₹10,000 had been deposited. Sharma then mentioned he would transfer an additional ₹5,000 and asked her to check again. This time, Harshada noted a message showing ₹50,000 had been transferred, which raised her suspicions.

Realization and Response

When Sharma requested that Harshada return the excess amount of ₹45,000, she grew wary. Trusting her instincts, Harshada checked her mother’s bank account and discovered no money had been deposited. She informed Sharma of this and proposed a conference call with her father to verify his identity, which Sharma tried to evade, insisting on the urgency of the situation.

Taking Action

Aware of the potential fraud, Harshada recalled a recent lecture at her school about cyberfraud, which guided her response. She put Sharma on hold and called the police from her neighbor’s phone, managing to record the conversation where Sharma persistently tried to convince her to transfer ₹45,000.

Police Intervention

Based on Harshada’s prompt action and the recorded evidence, the Virar police have registered a case against the unknown fraudster. “We are tracing the fraud based on the mobile phone from which Harshada received the call,” stated a police officer from the Nalasopara police station. The authorities have commended Harshada for her vigilance and bravery.

Key Takeaways

Awareness: Harshada’s knowledge about cyberfraud, acquired from a school lecture, played a crucial role in identifying the scam.
Verification: Always verify the identity of callers claiming to transfer money, especially if they request a return of funds.
Immediate Action: Report suspicious activities to the authorities without delay.

Harshada Goyal’s quick thinking and courage have not only saved her family from potential financial loss but also set an example for others to be vigilant against cyberfraud. This incident underscores the importance of educating young people about online scams and fraud prevention.

The story of how a 13-year-old girl outsmarts cyberfraud is a testament to the power of awareness and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of digital threats.