Foreign-based fraud rings are targeting people in Bangladesh by sending fake AI traffic case notifications and stealing money through phishing scams, according to investigators.
The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police recently uncovered a network operating from countries including China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Hong Kong. The fraudsters allegedly use local agents to collect money before transferring it abroad through cryptocurrency.
Investigators said victims receive fake messages claiming a traffic violation has been detected by AI cameras. The messages contain links to websites designed to look like official BRTA pages. Once users enter their bank card details, fraudsters gain access to their accounts and quickly withdraw money.
In one case, a doctor lost Tk 100,000 after entering his credit card information on a fake website linked in a traffic violation message.
DB officials said three local agents linked to a China-based fraud network were arrested in South Keraniganj on Wednesday. They allegedly helped transfer stolen funds through mobile financial services.
Authorities believe personal information leaked from hacked databases is being used to make the scams appear legitimate.
Police have urged the public not to click on suspicious links or share banking information online. Cybercrime investigators say public awareness remains the most effective defense against such fraud.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
