Maharashtra: 82-year-old woman cheated of Rs 4.96 lakh by cyber fraudsters posing as ED officials

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An 82-year-old former government employee was cheated of Rs 4.96 lakh by cyber fraudsters posing as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) who kept her under "digital arrest" for more than 56 hours. According to the FIR registered at Navghar police station, the woman received a WhatsApp video call on December 15 from an unknown number, with the caller claiming to be an ED officer.

She was allegedly told that her bank accounts were linked to a terror-funding probe and was sent forged ED notices and documents to support the claim via WhatsApp, said police, adding that the fraudsters also dragged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the narrative.

They further threatened her with arrest without a warrant and instructed her not to approach anyone and that the woman was kept under constant psychological pressure through repeated calls, said police. Police said that between December 15 and 17, she was coerced into transferring Rs 4.96 lakh via RTGS to a bank account provided by the callers.

Police said that the victim is a former assistant manager with a central government undertaking in Nariman Point. She lived alone in her house in Mulund. The incident came to light after her son, who lives in Dubai, received transaction alerts. Police said they have registered a case in connection with the fraud against unknown persons based on the complaint filed by the victim on Thursday (December 18).

Mumbai police advisory

The Mumbai police have shared an advisory against cyber frauds and digital arrests, instructing people to report the fraud immediately on the cybercrime platform cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (Cyber Crime helpline).

The police say that no agency (ED, NIA, or police) investigates cases over the phone or WhatsApp and that they never ask for money. Agencies would also never threaten or make arrests over calls, and no agency sends messages via messaging apps (WhatsApp, FB, Instagram).

Do
>> Immediately disconnect calls claiming to be from ED, NIA, or police
>> Inform family or a trusted person immediately
>> Verify any notice at the nearest police station
>> Report the call without delay

Don't
>> Do not stay on video or continuous calls
>> Do not share bank details, OTPs, or documents
>> Do not transfer money to avoid arrest
>> Do not act in panic