Navi Mumbai | A senior citizen in Navi Mumbai has been cheated of more than ₹4 crore in a sophisticated cyber fraud in which impostors posed as police and investigation officials, subjecting the victim to sustained digital intimidation over several weeks. Police officials said the victim, a retired professional in his late 70s, was coerced into transferring large sums to multiple bank accounts under the pretext of an official verification process.
The case came to light after the victim approached authorities over suspicious financial activity in his accounts. Preliminary inquiries indicate a carefully orchestrated scheme in which the fraudsters established credibility, maintained continuous contact and compelled transfers in the name of “official clearance”.
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How the fraud unfolded
According to investigators, the deception began late last year with an unsolicited call from an unknown person claiming to be associated with a cyber data protection unit. The caller alleged that a criminal case had been registered against the victim in another city and that his identity had surfaced in a money-laundering probe.
Subsequent communication shifted to messaging platforms. Through WhatsApp voice and video calls, the fraudsters used official-sounding language and procedures to reinforce their claims. At one stage, the victim was shown a fabricated bank notice suggesting that his accounts had been frozen due to suspicious transactions.
Money demanded to ‘clear the record’
Police said the victim was repeatedly warned that failure to cooperate could result in arrest, prosecution and seizure of assets. Under this pressure, he was advised to transfer funds to a “secure account” purportedly monitored by higher authorities to complete the verification and clear his name.
In reality, investigators believe these accounts were controlled by the fraud network. Over multiple transactions, the victim transferred more than ₹4 crore before realising he had been deceived.
A familiar cybercrime pattern
Officials said the case mirrors a growing pattern of cyber frauds in which criminals impersonate police officers, central agencies or financial regulators to intimidate victims. These scams often rely on phone calls, voice notes and video conferencing tools to create urgency and a false sense of legitimacy.
In several such cases, victims are subjected to what investigators describe as “digital arrest” tactics—continuous monitoring and isolation designed to prevent them from consulting family members or advisers—leading to substantial financial losses.
Tracing funds and legal action
By the time the complaint was lodged, the money had already been routed through multiple accounts. Cybercrime teams are now tracking the digital trail of the funds and coordinating with banks to freeze any remaining balances linked to the suspected scam.
A formal case has been registered under provisions of the Information Technology Act and relevant sections dealing with cheating and fraud. Authorities said inter-state coordination and technical analysis are underway to identify the broader network behind the operation.
Public advisory
Cybercrime units have urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from police, courts or investigative agencies. Legitimate authorities do not seek money transfers, banking details or “verification payments” over phone or video calls.
Officials advised people to independently verify any such communication and report suspicious contacts immediately to cyber police cells and banks, noting that early reporting can significantly limit losses.
Wider context
The incident adds to a series of recent high-value cyber fraud cases targeting senior citizens and other vulnerable groups. Police said awareness, vigilance and prompt reporting remain the most effective safeguards against organised cybercrime networks that exploit digital platforms and psychological pressure.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
