20 March,2026 12:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Social media scammers cheat woman using fake spiritual powers. Representational Pic
A shocking cyber fraud case has come to light in Mumbai's Sion area, where a 22-year-old woman was allegedly cheated out of Rs 15.93 lakh by fraudsters posing as spiritual healers. The scam reportedly began in 2023 when the victim, a resident of Pratiksha Nagar, came across an Instagram post titled "Powerful Obsession Healer."
The post promised solutions for career, relationship, and personal issues. After clicking the link, the woman was directed to WhatsApp, where she started communicating with a man who introduced himself as "Wahid" and "Sahil" at different times.
The accused gained the woman's trust by assuring her of a bright future. They claimed to perform a special tantric ritual and said a jinn, a supernatural spirit, could fulfill all her desires, including financial success and personal happiness. Believing these claims, the woman agreed to follow their instructions.
Initially, the fraud began with a demand of Rs 25,000. Over time, the scammers continued to ask for money under various pretexts, including incomplete rituals, negative energy that needed removal, or threats that the jinn had become angry.
The woman even sold her family's gold to make payments. Each transaction was made to different bank accounts under names like Sumra Mohammed, Mohsin Salim, and Gulnaz, raising suspicions that an organised network could be behind the scam.
It took more than two years for the woman to realise she had been cheated. She then contacted the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 and lodged a formal complaint. Following her complaint, the Mumbai Cyber Cell started tracing the Instagram accounts, mobile numbers, and bank details linked to the accused.
A senior official said, "Investigators believe this case may be part of a larger network targeting individuals through social media by exploiting superstition and emotional vulnerability," as per IANS reports.
Police have warned citizens to stay cautious online. A spokesperson advised, "do not engage with unknown individuals offering supernatural solutions or guarantees for personal or financial problems. Always verify before making any payments."
This case highlights how social media can be misused to exploit trust and belief in supernatural powers. It also serves as a reminder to check credentials, avoid transferring money to unknown sources, and report suspicious activity promptly to authorities.
(With IANS Inputs)
