Senior Mumbai Doctor Falls Victim to Elaborate Cyber Fraud, Losing Rs 20+ Lakh

A 71-year-old doctor from a renowned hospital in Mahim, Mumbai, was swindled out of Rs 20+ lakh by a sophisticated cyber fraud gang. The fraudsters impersonated officials from the telecom department, Delhi Police, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), exploiting the names of high-profile officers and creating a complex web of deceit.

The Initial Contact

The ordeal began on June 3, when the doctor received a WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be an executive from the telecom department. The caller informed the doctor that his mobile number was allegedly being used for illegal activities and would be disconnected within an hour. In a state of panic, the doctor pleaded with the caller, who then connected him to a supposed Delhi Police officer.

Escalation and Deception

The impersonated Delhi Police officer claimed that a significant case was registered against the doctor and advised him to speak with a CBI officer. Shortly thereafter, the doctor received a video call from someone posing as a CBI officer, complete with a police uniform. This fake CBI officer accused the doctor of being involved in the Sandeep Kumar money laundering, drug trafficking, and identity theft case, threatening him with imminent arrest.

False Documentation and Threats

To lend credibility to their claims, the fraudsters sent the doctor fake documents, including a CBI letterhead and a Confidentiality Agreement. These documents bore the names of high-ranking officials such as RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, IPS officers Sunil Kumar Gautam, Balsing Rajput, Nitin Patil, and George Mathew. The documents appeared to be acknowledgements from various departments, adding to the ruse.

Financial Extortion

Under the guise of needing money for verification purposes, the fake CBI officer instructed the doctor to transfer Rs 20+ lakh to a specified bank account, assuring him that the money would be refunded post-verification. The frightened doctor complied, transferring the funds as directed. However, when the fraudsters inquired about his wife's bank account balance, the doctor realized he was being scammed.

Realization and Recovery Efforts

Realizing the deceit, the doctor immediately contacted friends who advised him to call the cyber helpline number 1930. Despite quick action, the police managed to recover only Rs 2.61 lakh of the stolen amount. The doctor then filed a detailed complaint with the Mumbai cyber police, who have since registered an FIR and launched an investigation.

Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation

The Mumbai cyber police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, including charges of cheating, impersonation, extortion, forgery, and identity theft. The police are actively working to trace the culprits and recover the remaining funds.

Conclusion

This case highlights the sophisticated tactics employed by cyber fraudsters and serves as a cautionary tale for others. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt action in the face of suspicious activities. The Mumbai cyber police continue their investigation, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further occurrences of such elaborate scams.