The scam began when the woman received a call from someone claiming to be Ritu Sharma, an authorised representative of DHL Courier based in Delhi.
The caller told her that a parcel in her name had been sent to Bangkok.
The fraudster also mentioned the involvement of child trafficking, money laundering, and drug smuggling, further adding to the panic.
In a shocking incident, a retired consultant from Bandra West, Mumbai, became the latest victim of a cyber fraud, losing Rs 1.75 crore. This scam highlights how fraudsters are using clever tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. The victim, a 60-year-old woman, thought she was dealing with an official matter involving a parcel, only to find herself tricked into handing over a large sum of money.
The scam began on October 14, 2024, when the woman received a call from someone claiming to be Ritu Sharma, an authorised representative of DHL Courier based in Delhi. The caller told her that a parcel in her name had been sent to Bangkok, containing a laptop, 140 grams of MDMA (a drug), five passports, and credit cards. The fraudster also mentioned the involvement of child trafficking, money laundering, and drug smuggling, further adding to the panic.
Also read: Man loses Rs 13 lakh in hotel booking scam: Here’s what happened and tips to avoid such frauds
Despite denying any involvement in the matter, the woman was told that her KYC (Know Your Customer) details had been misused. To resolve the issue, she was instructed to transfer 90 percent of her funds to an RBI account for verification, as reported by TOI. Trusting the call, the victim began transferring large amounts of money through RTGS to various bank accounts provided by the scammer.
Over several transactions, the woman transferred Rs 1.75 crore, believing she was cooperating with authorities. It was only later that she realised she had been duped, and the money was lost to the fraudsters.
Also read: Retired bank manager loses Rs 20 lakh to fake stock experts: Tips to avoid such scams
How to avoid such scams
- Verify caller details: Always double-check the identity of anyone claiming to be from an official organisation. Contact the institution directly using verified contact numbers.
- Be wary of unsolicited calls: Scammers often use urgency and fear tactics. If you receive a call asking for money or personal information, hang up and verify the situation through official channels.
- Never share sensitive information: Avoid sharing your KYC details, passwords, or any personal information over the phone, especially if the request seems suspicious.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the police or your bank immediately. Early action can help prevent further losses.
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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
