Cyber fraudsters allegedly cheated a 77-year-old man from Goregaon by using forged documents and fake notices claiming to carry the signature of a senior police official. The accused reportedly threatened the victim with arrest by sending a fabricated warrant on WhatsApp, ultimately extracting more than ₹2.25 crore over nearly two weeks, police said.
According to the FIR, the fraud was carried out by first calling the elderly victim and claiming that a bank account had been opened in his name in a Jammu and Kashmir-based bank. The callers alleged that the account was linked to individuals suspected of terror financing and was under police surveillance. To avoid legal action, the victim was told to transfer ₹70 lakh as “commission” money.
Forged NIA Chief Signature
Investigators said the fraudsters intensified pressure by sending a fake legal notice on WhatsApp bearing the forged signature of a senior official, referring to the name of a former NIA chief. The documents also included fabricated arrest warnings and case references, creating fear in the victim’s mind. Between November 18 and December 3, the accused allegedly forced the senior citizen to transfer ₹2.25 crore into multiple bank accounts to escape what was described as a fabricated investigation.
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Money Siphoned Immediately
Police said the money was immediately siphoned off once the transfers were completed, and the fraudsters stopped answering the victim’s calls. Realising that he had been cheated, the elderly man later approached the cybercrime cell and filed a complaint.
During the investigation, police traced one of the bank accounts used in the fraud and arrested Kishan Makwana (35), who was found to be operating as a middleman providing bank accounts on commission to cybercriminals. Officials said the victim’s cheated money was deposited into an account arranged by the accused.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Makwana was in contact with cyber fraud networks and facilitated the use of his bank account for illegal transactions. Police believe the arrested man is only one link in a larger organized racket and are now attempting to trace the main operators behind the fraud.
Technical Surveillance Ongoing
Cybercrime investigators are continuing technical surveillance to identify other members of the gang. Authorities suspect that the racket used multiple accounts and cash withdrawals to conceal the money trail.
Police have also issued public safety advisories urging citizens not to share personal, banking, or Aadhaar details with unknown callers. Officials warned that no government agency demands money over phone calls to avoid arrest or legal action. People were advised to verify any such communication through official channels and immediately report suspicious calls to cybercrime authorities.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
