Hong Kong-returned elderly man loses Rs 10 lakh to fraudster posing as CBI officer: Tips to avoid such scams

Scams involving fake government officials are on the rise, and unfortunately, one elderly man in Mumbai recently became a victim. The 81-year-old man, who had just returned from Hong Kong, was tricked into transferring Rs 10 lakh to a fraudulent account by scammers posing as CBI officers. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud and serves as a reminder to stay vigilant, especially when dealing with unexpected phone calls or video calls from unknown sources.

The scam began on December 9 when the victim received a video call from someone claiming to be an “investigation officer” from the CBI. The caller told the elderly man that he was involved in serious crimes, including human trafficking and money laundering, and that he needed to transfer money to avoid arrest. The scammer even went as far as to tell the man that he was under “house arrest” and not allowed to leave his home, reports The Indian Express. 

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The victim, who had been living alone in Santacruz, Mumbai since returning from Hong Kong due to the cold weather, was intimidated by the fraudster. The scammer convinced him to transfer Rs 10 lakh to a bank account using RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement).

After completing the transfer, the elderly man tried calling the number back, but the phone was switched off. It was then that he realised he had been duped.

This scam is a stark reminder of how easily people, especially the elderly, can fall prey to such sophisticated frauds.

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How to protect yourself from such scams

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially from someone claiming to be a government official. If you receive a call from the CBI or any other authority, hang up and contact the official organisation directly using their verified contact details.
• Don’t transfer money on urgent requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Never transfer money to someone you don’t know, especially under pressure.
• Avoid sharing personal information: Do not share personal details like your bank account information or passwords over the phone or through video calls.
• Consult family or friends: If you’re unsure about a call or message, reach out to someone you trust before taking any action.