Cyber Crime
Elderly Mumbai Woman Loses Rs 4 Crore in Longest “Digital Arrest” Scam of India
MUMBAI: In a chilling tale of deceit, a 77-year-old woman from South Mumbai fell victim to a sophisticated month-long cyber scam, losing Rs 3.8 crore to fraudsters posing as high-ranking law enforcement officials. The elaborate con kept the homemaker under constant “digital arrest,” as scammers exploited her fear with fabricated charges of money laundering.
The Con Begins: A Parcel That Never Was
The ordeal started with a seemingly innocuous WhatsApp call. The caller alleged that a parcel she had supposedly sent to Taiwan had been intercepted, containing five passports, a bank card, clothing, and the illegal drug MDMA. The bewildered woman denied any involvement, only to be told her Aadhaar details had been misused in the crime.
The fraudsters then upped their game, connecting her with a man posing as IPS officer “Anand Rana.” Claiming to investigate her alleged role in a money laundering case, he demanded access to her bank account details.
The Web of Lies Tightens
Soon, another imposter joined the scheme, introducing himself as “IPS officer George Mathew” from the finance department. To “verify” her innocence, he instructed her to transfer money into designated accounts, falsely assuring her that the funds would be returned.
To add an air of legitimacy, the con artists sent the woman a forged Crime Branch notice bearing an official-looking seal. They also coerced her into keeping a 24/7 video call active, claiming it was to monitor her compliance.
A Month of Fear and Extortion
The woman initially transferred Rs 15 lakh, but the relentless scammers continued their threats. Whenever the video call was interrupted, they pressured her to reconnect immediately, using fear tactics to maintain control. Over the course of a month, the fraudsters siphoned off nearly ₹4 crore from her accounts.
Mumbai Police Launches Probe
The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken up the case, calling the scam a meticulously planned operation that preyed on the victim’s fears and trust. Investigators are working to identify the culprits behind this chilling cyber fraud.
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A Wake-Up Call
This incident highlights the growing menace of digital scams that exploit fear and technology to target vulnerable individuals. Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant, verify any suspicious claims, and report such incidents immediately. Remember: legitimate officials will never demand money or sensitive details over a call.
How can we better educate ourselves and our loved ones to avoid falling prey to such manipulative scams? Share your thoughts and let’s create a safer digital space together.