In two separate but alarming incidents in Maharashtra, India, elderly individuals have fallen victim to sophisticated cyber scams resulting in significant financial losses. These cases highlight the increasingly prevalent threat of digital fraud targeting vulnerable populations and underscore the need for heightened awareness and stronger preventative measures.
Thane Senior Citizen Loses ₹3.57 Crore:
In a shocking turn of events, a 74-year-old retired bank worker from Ulhasnagar, Thane, was defrauded of a staggering ₹3.57 crore. The victim received a WhatsApp video call from an individual who then connected him to someone posing as a police officer. This imposter employed coercive tactics, threatening the elderly man into transferring the substantial sum into various bank accounts. According to an official from the Central police station, the victim filed a complaint, leading to an FIR filed on Tuesday against the unidentified scammer. The FIR cites Section 318(4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. While the specific nature of the threats remains undisclosed in the FIR, the sheer magnitude of the financial loss underscores the audacity and effectiveness of the scam.
Mumbai Woman’s Month-Long ‘Digital Arrest’:
A similar, equally disturbing incident unfolded in Mumbai, where a 77-year-old woman was subjected to a month-long ordeal of what could be termed a ‘digital arrest.’ Cybercriminals, again posing as law enforcement officials, contacted her via WhatsApp. They falsely accused her of involvement in a money laundering case, claiming her Aadhaar card was used in connection with a parcel containing illicit substances (MDMA drugs), passports, a bank card, and clothing supposedly sent to Taiwan. Despite the woman’s denials of sending any such parcel, the scammers persisted, eventually connecting her with a supposed ‘Mumbai Police officer’ who further escalated the false accusations. This elaborate deception led to the victim transferring ₹3.8 crore to the fraudsters over the course of a month. The ordeal only ended upon the woman reporting the incident to authorities.
The Growing Threat of Digital Fraud:
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. The use of video calls, impersonation of authority figures, and carefully constructed narratives are all hallmarks of increasingly sophisticated scams. The vulnerability of senior citizens, who may be less tech-savvy or more trusting, makes them prime targets. Law enforcement agencies are urging heightened public awareness about such scams and emphasizing the importance of verifying the identity of callers before divulging any personal or financial information. Further investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds. The cases also raise questions about the need for stronger regulatory measures and improved cybersecurity protocols to protect citizens from such predatory crimes.
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