Photo : Messenger
Hafizur Rahman, a private bank official, received an unexpected call on his mobile phone a few days ago. The caller spoke in English and mentioned offering something during the conversation. Trustingly, he clicked on a provided link. However, after clicking, he lost access to his mobile phone. Various personal information, including photos and bank debit/credit card passwords, were compromised. He was then demanded a large sum of money in exchange for restoring access. Disoriented, Hafizur Rahman sought assistance from the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police.
Not only Hafizur Rahman, but this gang is also targeting individuals nationwide, hacking their mobile phones, and extorting money. Even journalists are not spared from these attacks. Links promising various offers are being disseminated, posing a risk to the general public if clicked.
This type of fraud, which involves mobile phone hacking, is relatively new and alarming. Since people frequently receive calls from both familiar and unfamiliar numbers, it's difficult for ordinary individuals to distinguish whether an unknown caller is a fraudster. Consequently, fraudsters and hackers are profiting by exploiting this vulnerability, making off with significant sums of money.
According to the investigation, at least 10 people from a private organisation received similar calls last Saturday. Fortunately, they promptly ended the calls, preventing themselves from falling into the hackers' trap.
Employees of the organisation reported that upon receiving the calls, the individual on the other end spoke in English with a voice that sounded youthful. However, upon mentioning the offer, the call was abruptly terminated, sparing them from any potential adverse consequences.
They acknowledge being informed about this issue. Hackers are targeting various individuals, demanding control over their phones during phone conversations. They threaten to release sensitive information or photos online unless paid.
It's understood that the hacker group is contacting millions of smartphone users nationwide. While some fall into their trap, others manage to protect themselves by ending the call.
The Cybercrime Investigation Department (CID) confirms its awareness of such incidents and is taking necessary measures to address them. Additional Superintendent of Police Azad Rahman of CID mentioned that a group of educated and skilled fraudsters is behind these activities. They utilise Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and sometimes use phone numbers from different countries like the United States or Singapore. CID's cyber unit officials are actively working to identify them, and they will be brought to justice soon.
The Counter-Terrorism Cyber Crime Unit of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is actively working to apprehend the new hackers. They have initiated investigations based on several complaints received.
In a conversation with Nazmul Alam, Specialist Deputy Commissioner of the Cyber Crime Unit of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, it was highlighted that the utilisation of cyber online space is a novel method employed to orchestrate such crimes. Despite appearing to originate from the United States, the phones used in these activities are actually made in Bangladesh. A group of fraudsters is engaging in these activities using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Nazmul Alam stated that individuals affected by these phone scams have lodged complaints with their unit, and they have commenced investigations into these complaints.
When asked about the nature of the hackers, Alam mentioned that they are highly skilled and educated. However, he assured that they will be brought to justice under the law.
Alam emphasised the importance of avoiding such calls initially. By refraining from engaging with these fraudulent calls, individuals can prevent themselves from encountering embarrassing situations and falling victim to scams.
Messenger/Disha
