Mumbai Cyber Fraud: 82-Year-Old Retired Man Duped of ₹1.08 Crore by Fraudsters Impersonating Telecom, Police, and CBI Officials

In yet another distressing example of cybercrime targeting senior citizens, an 82-year-old retired resident of Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, lost ₹1.08 crore to a group of sophisticated online fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Department, Delhi Police, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

According to police officials, the ordeal began on September 30, 2025, when the elderly man received a WhatsApp video call from a person who introduced himself as Pawan Kumar, claiming to be an officer from the Delhi Telecom Department. The caller told him that his Aadhaar card had been misused to open a fake Canara Bank account, allegedly linked to illegal international money transfers.

The frightened victim, unaware he was being targeted by scammers, was soon contacted again—this time by a woman who identified herself as Khushi Sharma, a Sub-Inspector with the Delhi Police. She warned him that the matter was “serious” and that an investigation was underway. Moments later, another man appeared on a video call, claiming to be Hemraj Kohli, a CBI officer, who informed the victim that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.

The fraudsters played on the senior citizen’s fear, threatening that he would be arrested if he failed to cooperate. They instructed him to share his bank details and warned that to avoid arrest, he needed to “obtain a clearance certificate” by transferring his money to “safe accounts” for verification.

Terrified and confused, the elderly man complied. Over the next few days, he transferred ₹1.08 crore from his and his wife’s accounts into bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. During this time, the scammers maintained constant contact through video calls, monitoring his actions and warning him not to tell his children or anyone else, threatening “serious consequences” if he did.

It wasn’t until later, when the man finally confided in his family, that the shocking truth came to light. A complaint was immediately filed, and an FIR was registered at the West Region Cyber Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act.

A police officer investigating the case said, “These fraudsters use fear tactics and impersonation to target vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly. They exploit their trust in government authorities and pressure them into transferring money under the pretext of legal investigations.”

Authorities are now tracing the bank accounts and digital trails used in the scam. Cyber police have also urged citizens, particularly senior citizens, to remain vigilant and to never share personal or financial information with anyone claiming to be from a government department over calls or video chats.

This case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how digital frauds are evolving, preying on fear and trust. As Mumbai continues to see a rise in cybercrime cases involving senior citizens, experts emphasize the need for awareness and family communication, ensuring that elderly family members know they can verify such calls before taking any action.

“No genuine government official will ever demand money or ask for confidential bank details over a phone call,” the officer added. “When in doubt, disconnect and report.”