77-Year-Old Woman Falls Victim to Rs 3.8 Crore Cyber Scam in Mumbai
MUMBAI: In a harrowing case of cyber fraud, a 77-year-old homemaker in South Mumbai became the target of a sophisticated month-long scam, losing a staggering Rs 3.8 crore to con artists posing as high-ranking law enforcement officials. The elaborate deception left her feeling as if she were under “digital arrest,” as the scammers manipulated her fears with orchestrated threats of money laundering charges.
The saga began with an unexpected WhatsApp call, where the caller claimed that a parcel purportedly sent to Taiwan was intercepted, allegedly containing illegal items, including MDMA and multiple passports. The bewildered elderly woman insisted she was innocent, only to be coerced into believing her Aadhaar details were connected to the crime.
Things escalated when a man claiming to be IPS officer “Anand Rana” contacted her, asserting he was investigating her purported involvement and demanding details about her bank accounts. Soon after, another impersonating individual, “IPS officer George Mathew,” entered the picture, further complicating the ordeal by instructing her to transfer money to benefit her supposed “verification.”
To maintain an illusion of legitimacy, the scammers produced a forged Crime Branch notice and demanded a 24/7 video call to monitor her compliance. This chilling tactic allowed them to maintain control over her actions. Over the course of a month, the relentless fraudsters employed threats and psychological manipulation, leading her to transfer nearly ₹4 crore while feeling paralyzed by fear.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has launched a comprehensive investigation into this carefully orchestrated scam, urging vigilance among citizens to protect against such malicious activities. Authorities remind the public: "Legitimate officials will never request money or sensitive personal details over phone calls."
This incident serves as a stark warning about the ever-increasing threats of digital scams, highlighting the need for awareness and education in navigating the online space safely.
