A 59-year-old woman from Vazhakkala, Kochi, Kerala, became the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber fraud after being contacted on social media by a man claiming to be from the UK. The accused, Morgan Kelvin Alen of Kakkanad, established an online friendship and convinced the woman that he had sent her a “surprise gift.” He claimed the package contained valuable items, including gold, electronic gadgets, and British currency. By presenting the offer as an exciting opportunity, the fraudster created trust and lowered the victim’s suspicion, making her more susceptible to his ploy.
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The Customs Trap Ruse
The scam relied on fear and urgency to pressure the victim. The accused told the woman that the package had been intercepted by Customs at Delhi airport and warned her that a legal case would be filed against her if she did not pay the customs duty immediately. Panicked and eager to receive her gift, the victim transferred a total of ₹10,78,000 to various accounts between July 27 and August 15, 2025. Believing she was paying fees to clear her shipment, she unwittingly handed over a significant sum to the fraudster.
Police Action and Investigation
After realizing she had been cheated, the victim approached the Thrikkakara police on September 19, 2025. Authorities promptly registered a first information report (FIR) against Morgan Kelvin Alen. The police have launched a thorough investigation to verify the financial transactions through which the funds were siphoned. Officials highlighted that this type of cyber fraud is a common tactic, often targeting elderly individuals or those less familiar with online scams, who are more likely to respond to urgent demands from seemingly credible sources.
Raising Awareness Against Cyber Scams
“The incident highlights the urgent need to create more awareness among vulnerable groups,” said a police officer. Cybersecurity experts recommend that individuals verify the legitimacy of unsolicited online contacts, especially if financial transactions are requested. Suspicious messages should be reported immediately to authorities. With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, vigilance and education are essential to prevent financial losses.
This case serves as a stark reminder that even friendly social media interactions can be exploited for financial gain, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity awareness across all age groups.
