Kolkata is witnessing a worrying surge in fake loan and cyber scams, with victims losing over ₹1 crore in a single day. Fraudsters are targeting business owners, professionals, and ordinary citizens with promises of easy loans, low-interest credit, and lucrative investment opportunities. The sharp rise in such incidents highlights the urgent need for financial awareness and digital caution.
Recent Scam Cases in Kolkata
Business Loan Trap: A restaurant co-owner in Park Street lost ₹25.8 lakh after paying an advance fee for a promised ₹5 crore loan that never materialized.
Mortgage Scam: A Santoshpur resident was duped of ₹83,440 by a fake finance agent claiming to represent a well-known lending company.
Fake IPO Investment: A businessman in Beleghata lost ₹8.5 lakh after being tricked into investing via a counterfeit app impersonating a reputed brokerage firm.
Identity Theft Loan Fraud: A Central Kolkata enterprise lost ₹50 lakh when fraudsters used forged KYC documents and salary slips to secure loans in the victim’s name.
Other Fraud Patterns Emerging
International Rings: Fraudsters posing as representatives of global organizations have duped professionals in high-value scams.
Fake Call Centres: Police have uncovered illegal call centres where scammers impersonated tech executives, convincing victims to install screen-sharing apps and siphoning money directly from bank accounts.
Why Are These Scams Rising?
Professional Impersonation – Criminals pose as bankers, corporate representatives, or government officials.
Tech Manipulation – Fake apps, phishing links, and remote-access software are widely used.
Psychological Pressure – Victims are pressured into making quick decisions under fear or urgency.
Low Awareness – Many individuals still fall prey due to lack of digital and financial literacy.
How to Stay Safe from Fake Loan Scams
Verify Loan Offers: Always confirm through official bank websites or helplines.
Never Pay Upfront Fees: Genuine lenders do not demand advance charges for loan processing.
Avoid Screen Sharing: No financial institution will ask to access your device remotely.
Check App Authenticity: Only download from verified app stores.
Enable Alerts: SMS and email alerts can help detect unauthorized transactions quickly.
Report Immediately: If targeted, contact the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or file an online complaint.
Conclusion
The sharp increase in fake loan scams in Kolkata shows how fraudsters are combining technology with manipulation to trick victims. From bogus loan offers to fake trading platforms, the threat is real and evolving. Staying informed, cautious, and proactive is the only way to protect yourself and your money.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are fake loan scams?
Fake loan scams involve fraudsters posing as genuine lenders, offering quick and easy loans at attractive rates, but demanding advance fees or misusing personal details to steal money.
Q2. Why are fake loan scams rising in Kolkata?
Scams are increasing due to higher digital dependence, easy access to personal data, and lack of financial awareness. Fraudsters also exploit psychological pressure and impersonate banks or corporates.
Q3. How do I identify a fake loan offer?
The lender asks for an advance fee before processing.
They avoid official communication channels and operate only on WhatsApp or email.
The loan terms are too good to be true, like zero-interest or instant approvals.
The lender refuses to provide proper registration or company details.
Q4. What should I do if I’ve been targeted by a fake loan scam?
Immediately stop all communication, block the fraudster, and report the case to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or lodge a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
Q5. Can banks or NBFCs ask for money upfront for loans?
No. Genuine lenders deduct processing charges from the sanctioned loan amount and never ask for advance deposits before loan approval.
Published on : 29th August
Published by : SMITA
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