'Your son has met with accident in Canada': How a phone call cost Kapurthala farmer Rs 11.75 lakh

In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a farmer from Nadala town in Punjab’s Kapurthala district was duped of Rs 11.75 lakh after receiving a phone call falsely claiming that his son had been involved in a serious accident in Canada. The victim, Joginder Singh Ghotra, said the fraudster manipulated him emotionally and mentally, leading him to transfer the money without verifying the facts.

According to Joginder Singh, the incident occurred on the morning of May 13 while he was working in his fields. His wife, distressed and in tears, called him from their home and informed that she had received a phone call stating that their son, who lives in Canada, had met with an accident. The caller further alleged that a Canadian citizen had also been injured in the incident and was in a coma in a hospital, and that their son had sustained injuries as well.

In panic after receiving the news, Singh rushed home. Soon after, they received another call from the same person, who began speaking about potential legal consequences. The caller, pretending to be a law enforcement or hospital official, warned them against contacting their son, claiming that his phone was with the police. Overwhelmed by fear and confusion, the couple followed the caller’s instructions.

Throughout the day, the scammer maintained constant communication, building pressure and urgency. Under his influence, Singh ended up transferring Rs 6.25 lakh from his account at Capital Bank and another Rs 5.5 lakh from a different bank into accounts provided by the fraudster.

Fearing the worst for their son and trusting the caller’s instructions, the couple did not confide in anyone or report the matter immediately.

The fraud came to light when as per routine, their son called them later that night from Canada, completely unaware of any such incident.

It was only then that Singh realised they had been the victims of a meticulously planned scam. The matter has since been reported to the local cyber crime police station, and an investigation is underway. The authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify information received through unsolicited calls, particularly those involving emotional distress or financial demands.