A cyber police official told TNIE that when the cops in uniform knocked on the victim’s door, he was reluctant to cooperate with them, thinking that it was none of their business.

“He had believed everything the impersonators said. So when our men reached his place, he was like, ‘Please don’t interfere. This is a serious matter.’ The cops forced their way into the doctor’s room and briefed him about the scam. After learning that financial transactions had taken place, the cops registered a complaint with 1930, the national cyber crime helpline. Since the complaint was filed immediately after the transaction, the cops managed to retrieve Rs 4.2 lakh,” an official said.

Cyber police sources said the SBI had set up a special intelligence wing to monitor suspicious transactions, which helped in detecting the fraud.

“The State Police Chief had written to the RBI and the central government recommending the implementation of several measures to curb cyber financial crimes. One of the suggestions was to set up financial intelligence units in each bank. Unfortunately, there were not many takers for the suggestions. However, SBI set up its own unit, and because of that, they could prevent fraud,” said a senior officer.