Fake calls, messages, and fraudulent schemes continue to fuel the rising cases of cyber fraud, causing distress to countless victims daily. In a recent case, an 86-year-old woman from South Mumbai was defrauded of over ₹20 crore. This incident sheds light on how fake call scams work, where fraudsters manipulate victims through fear and threats of severe consequences.
The scam, spanning from December 26, 2024, to March 3, 2025, involved fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers who manipulated the victim into transferring her life savings.
Here is the complete detail of how this fake call scam worked.
How Fake Call Scam Works?
The scam began when the elderly woman received a call from an individual claiming to be a CBI officer.
The caller alleged that a bank account linked to her Aadhaar card was implicated in a money laundering case.
This is a common tactic in fake call scams, where fraudsters use social engineering scams to create panic.
To avoid arrest and protect her family from legal repercussions, the scammer instructed her to remain confined to her home and refrain from discussing the matter with anyone.
This technique, known as a “digital arrest,” is often used in online fraud techniques to isolate victims.
The fraudsters maintained control by contacting her every three hours to monitor her location.
Later the scammer contacted the victim and asked her to verify her bank details to clear her name from the scam. For this, he asked her to share sensitive information.
Then he asked her to transfer a huge amount of money, promising that the fund would be returned upon completion of investigation.
Over the two months, the woman transferred a decent amount equal to ₹20 crore to various accounts controlled by the fraudster.
The scam came into the picture when the woman’s domestic help noticed her unusual behavior & signs of distress.
This raised concerns, leading to her daughter’s intervention and subsequent police involvement.
The Mumbai Police’s cybercrime unit acted swiftly, managing to freeze ₹77 lakh in the fraudulent accounts.
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the scam, shedding light on how online fraudsters operate.
How to Register Complaint Against Fake Calls?
Once you recognize the scam, it is always good to act quickly.
Register with us now, and our team will personally connect with you to guide you through a step-by-step recovery process.
Let’s work together to get you back on track, stronger than ever.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Call Scams?
This incident highlights the sophisticated methods employed in cyber fraud prevention and emphasizes the need for awareness. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
- Understand how fake call scams work: Educate yourself on common online scams explained by cybersecurity experts.
- Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of individuals claiming to be officials by contacting the relevant agency directly through official channels.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never disclose personal or financial information over unsolicited calls or messages.
- Consult Trusted Individuals: Discuss suspicious communications with family members or trusted advisors before taking any action.
- Report Immediately: Learn how to report online frauds in India and act promptly, if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Conclusion
By understanding the types of cyber scams and learning fake call scam awareness techniques, people can better protect themselves against such fraudulent activities. Financial fraud through digital platforms is a growing threat, and awareness of phishing and online fraud tactics is crucial.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity tips for elders and everyone engaging in financial transactions online. Stay vigilant and informed to prevent falling victim to such scams.
