Panaji: Cybercrime cases are continuing to rise in Goa. In three separate incidents reported recently, cyber fraudsters allegedly cheated victims of more than ₹43 lakh using different tactics, including fake bank customer care, matrimonial scams, and online investment fraud.
According to police, complaints in all three cases have been registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ribandar, and investigations are currently underway.
FCRF Launches Flagship Certified Fraud Investigator (CFI) Program
70-year-old woman cheated of ₹30 lakh by fake bank customer care
In the first case, a 70-year-old woman from Carambolim in Tiswadi was allegedly cheated by a fraudster posing as a bank customer care executive. The woman had searched online for a support number to resolve an issue related to her Google Pay app and debit card.
During this process, a man contacted her claiming to be a customer care representative of a nationalised bank. The accused allegedly instructed the woman to send a specific “PORT” message from her mobile phone, after which her phone and the banking details linked to it were compromised.
Police said the fraudsters misused the mobile number and linked banking credentials to transfer ₹30,98,342 from the woman’s bank accounts between February 13 and February 27 to multiple accounts.
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered against unknown persons on March 6, and an investigation has been initiated.
Woman loses ₹6.88 lakh in matrimonial scam
In the second case, a 37-year-old working woman from Panaji was targeted through an online matrimonial platform. The accused contacted her on the “Nikah Forever” matrimonial app, posing as a citizen of Sweden, and gained her trust with the promise of marriage.
The conversation later continued on WhatsApp, where the accused claimed he was planning to visit Goa on February 14, 2026, on Valentine’s Day. He also shared flight booking documents to appear genuine.
Later, he told the woman that he was carrying ₹30 lakh worth of jewellery and had been stopped by customs authorities. Using this pretext, he asked her to transfer money for customs penalties, legal fees, passport clearance, and hotel and travel expenses.
Believing his story, the woman transferred ₹6,88,000 between February 10 and February 16 to various bank accounts.
Man cheated of ₹5.62 lakh in investment scam
In the third incident, a man residing in Mormugao, South Goa, originally from Andhra Pradesh, was allegedly cheated in an online investment scam.
According to police, the accused contacted the victim through WhatsApp, posing as representatives of “Ashmore India LLP.” They added him to WhatsApp groups named “Ashmore VIP Group D201” and “Ashmore Group D102,” where they promoted investment opportunities.
The fraudsters lured the victim with promises of discounted IPO investments and higher allotment, directing him to invest through a website called ashmore-vip.com.
Trusting the offer, the victim transferred ₹5,62,998 in multiple transactions, after which he realised he had been cheated.
Cybercrime expert warns citizens
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh said that cybercriminals increasingly target people through fake customer support numbers, online relationships, and fraudulent investment schemes.
He explained that many people search online for bank helplines or technical support numbers and unknowingly contact fake numbers, which allows fraudsters to access their banking information.
He advised citizens to use only official websites, mobile apps, or verified helpline numbers when seeking assistance for banking or digital payment services.
Police advisory
Police have urged citizens not to blindly trust unknown callers, online investment offers, or matrimonial profiles.
In case of suspected cyber fraud, victims should immediately call the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint on the cybercrime.gov.in portal.
Officials added that prompt reporting significantly increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering the lost money.
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.
