Cyber Fraud: An 86-Year-Old Woman Duped of Rs 20 Crore
MUMBAI: An alarming incident of cyber fraud has come to light, where an 86-year-old woman from Mumbai was extorted for a staggering Rs 20 crore. The fraudsters, posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), threatened her with arrest over false accusations of money laundering.
The Deceptive Scheme
The woman received a call from a man identifying himself as Sandip Rao, who claimed that a bank account had been opened in her name for money laundering activities, including illicit transfers to the account of Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. This shocking information left her terrified, prompting behavioral changes that concerned her family.
Rao manipulated her further by claiming that a special investigation team was handling her case and that her family members would face dire consequences if she didn’t comply. He instilled fear by stating there were arrest warrants against her and that she was under “digital police custody,” restricting her communications with relatives.
The Manipulation Continues
Under the guise of a “Digital India Movement,” the fraudsters coerced her into providing sensitive banking information, all while sending her fake court notices and maintaining daily contact. They convinced her to transfer her entire savings to a court account, promising a refund after the investigation concluded.
Police Intervention and Arrests
After two months of psychological torment, police registered an FIR on March 4. Investigations led to the arrest of two suspects, Shayan Shaikh and Raziq Butt, both aged 20. The authorities discovered significant amounts of money transferred to their accounts, with some converted into cryptocurrency.
Stay Vigilant with Looffers.com
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud. It’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant against such scams. For more tips on how to protect yourself online, visit Looffers.com.
Always remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your hard-earned money by staying aware and cautious in the digital world.
