The scam began when the woman received a WhatsApp call claiming that a parcel she supposedly sent to Taiwan contained illegal items.
She was told that her Aadhaar card was involved in a money laundering case.
The woman was asked to download the Skype app, and was ordered to not to disconnect the call.
In today’s world, digital scams have become alarmingly common, and this recent incident in Mumbai highlights just how far cyber criminals will go to exploit innocent victims. A 77-year-old woman, living with her retired husband in South Mumbai, found herself at the center of an elaborate scam that lasted for more than a month. She lost Rs 3.8 crore, all while being kept under digital arrest by fraudsters posing as law enforcement.
The nightmare began when the woman received a WhatsApp call claiming that a parcel she supposedly sent to Taiwan contained illegal items like drugs and passports. The caller, pretending to be a police officer, told her that her Aadhaar card was involved in a money laundering case and urged her to connect with a so-called Mumbai police officer for further investigation.
Also read: Alert! This fake app circulating on WhatsApp targets UPI users, steals money
What followed was a twisted sequence of manipulative tactics. The woman was asked to download the Skype app, and was ordered to not to disconnect the call.
She was instructed to go to the bank and transfer money. She was told that money from her accounts would be returned after an investigation. To gain her trust, the fraudsters even returned Rs 15 lakh, making her believe that the whole process was legitimate.
Slowly, the scammers convinced her to transfer more funds under the pretext of clearing taxes and investigating further. Over the course of several weeks, she transferred a total of Rs 3.8 crore into various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
It was only when she grew suspicious, due to a lack of any returned money and growing demands for more funds. The woman spoke to her daughter who warned her about the scam.
Also read: Noida woman loses Rs 34 lakh after fraudsters keep her in 24hrs digital arrest
How to protect yourself from such scams
- Verify calls: Always verify suspicious calls from law enforcement through official channels.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never share your personal details, including bank account information, over the phone or online.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, consult a trusted friend or family member before acting.
- Use official apps: Always use official platforms for communication and financial transactions.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
