The gang that killed Muthu Vijayan in Madurai
Thinking of a dream date with someone you have met online and talked to over the phone? That alluring woman's voice could actually be a trap.
Tech savvy criminals are now using mobile software to sound like a woman. In Madurai, a young engineer who fell into this trap was killed.
When Muthu Vijayan reached the agreed spot to meet his mystery woman, a gang of six received him. One of them claimed to be the girl's brother and demanded a ransom. When he refused, they killed him.
"They brainwashed him by talking like a woman, and then kidnapped him for a ransom," saysMuthu Vijayan's father Muruganandham.
It is an online racket luring gullible people on social networking sites. Police say these conmen use software to modify their voice - a man is heard as a woman on the other side.
"This is a lesson. They used Korean phones. All those who chat online and talk on the phone with such contacts should be aware of this risk," an official warned.
The next time you decide to meet a stranger you met a chat room online, beware.