Bengaluru: In yet another case highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud, a 61-year-old woman from Madhava Nagar was allegedly cheated of ₹31.78 lakh by scammers who trapped her using a fake insurance claim scheme. The accused reportedly built trust through a series of calls and forged emails before siphoning off the money.
According to the complaint, the victim received a phone call on March 27 around 11 a.m. from an unidentified individual claiming to be associated with an insurance company. The caller informed her that an insurance claim of ₹63 lakh linked to her deceased husband was pending and could be released after completing certain formalities.
FCRF Returns With CDPO, Its Premier Data Protection Certification for Privacy Professionals
How the Fraud Unfolded
What began as a single call soon turned into a coordinated operation. The woman started receiving multiple calls from different mobile numbers, with the callers posing alternately as company representatives and officials. To reinforce credibility, the fraudsters also sent emails from various IDs containing documents that appeared official, including claim papers and approval letters.
Gradually convinced by the consistent communication and seemingly authentic paperwork, the victim believed the claim to be genuine. The accused then told her that processing charges, taxes, and other fees needed to be paid before the amount could be disbursed. Using this pretext, they persuaded her to transfer money in multiple installments to different bank accounts.
In total, the woman transferred ₹31,78,915 through online transactions. However, soon after receiving the funds, the fraudsters cut off all communication. Their phone numbers became unreachable, prompting the victim to realise she had been cheated. She subsequently approached the cyber crime police station and filed a complaint.
Police Probe and Warnings
A case has been registered against unknown persons under sections related to cheating and impersonation. Investigators are currently examining bank transaction trails and call data records to identify the accused. Efforts are also underway to trace and recover the defrauded amount.
Cybercrime experts note that such frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Scammers typically rely on well-planned “social engineering” tactics—manipulating victims emotionally and psychologically to gain their trust before executing the fraud. Senior citizens, in particular, are often targeted due to perceived vulnerability and limited digital awareness.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cyber criminals are now using social engineering as a powerful tool to exploit people’s trust and emotions. They create believable narratives that promise financial gain, which lowers the victim’s guard.”
He also cautioned against acting on unsolicited calls or emails involving financial transactions. “Before making any payment, it is essential to verify the authenticity of the claim through the official website or helpline of the concerned company,” he added.
The incident once again underlines the importance of vigilance in the digital age. People are advised to remain cautious of offers related to insurance claims, lotteries, rewards, or government schemes that require upfront payments.
Experts recommend that victims of such frauds should immediately contact the national cyber helpline at 1930 and report the incident to the nearest cyber police station. Prompt action can significantly improve the chances of recovering lost money and preventing further misuse.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
