Mumbai: 82-Year-Old Duped of INR 1.8 Crore in Cyber Fraud

In a shocking case of cybercrime, an 82-year-old retiree from Vile Parle, Mumbai, was duped of INR 1.8 crore by fraudsters posing as officials from the Department of Telecommunications, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Delhi Police. A case has been registered at the Western Regional Cyber Police Station against unknown individuals in connection with the incident.

The complainant, who lives in Vile Parle, received a WhatsApp video call on September 30, 2025, from a person identifying himself as Pawan Kumar, an officer from the Department of Telecommunications in Delhi. The caller claimed that a fake bank account had been opened using the complainant's Aadhaar card, and it was being used for illegal international transactions. This alarming information left the elderly man frightened.

Following this, the victim received further video calls from individuals who introduced themselves as Khushi Sharma, a sub-inspector with the Delhi Police, and Hemraj Kohli, a CBI officer. They alleged that a criminal case had been filed against him at the Connaught Place police station in New Delhi, and that his Aadhaar number was linked to the illicit financial activities.

Under the pretext of helping him avoid arrest, the fraudsters demanded details of all his bank accounts and savings to issue a "clearance certificate." Claiming to be senior CBI officials, they instructed him to transfer his funds to a “secure” account for verification. Out of fear, the elderly man transferred a total of INR 1.08 crore from his and his wife's bank accounts to the account numbers provided by the scammers.

Throughout the ordeal, the cybercriminals maintained contact via WhatsApp video calls, warning him not to inform anyone  including his children and threatening arrest if he did. It was only after the money was transferred and communication ceased that the victim realised he had been scammed. He then approached the Western Regional Cyber Police Station and filed a complaint.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act for cheating, impersonation, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators are now tracing the accused using mobile numbers and bank account details linked to the fraudulent transactions.

Authorities have once again urged citizens to remain vigilant and never share personal or banking information with unknown individuals, especially those claiming to be government or law enforcement officials.

Also Read: State Intensifies Efforts to Eradicate Child Marriage After Alarming Rise