HIGHLIGHTS

The incident began with a deceitful call from someone posing as a telecom department officer.

The caller informed him that a bank account had been fraudulently opened in his name using his Aadhaar details, and that this account was being utilized for money laundering activities.

The impersonator went so far as to fabricate a story that an FIR had been lodged against him at the Kurla police station in Mumbai.

In a deeply concerning incident, an 80-year-old retired government employee fell victim to a shocking scam, losing an astounding Rs 4.2 crore. This case highlights how scammers can use fear tactics and false legal threats to manipulate unsuspecting individuals. Let’s delve into the details of this unfortunate event and explore how to protect yourself against similar scams.

The story unfolded on April 14 when the elderly man received a call from an individual impersonating an officer from the telecom department. The caller informed him that a bank account had been created using his Aadhaar details and that this account was linked to illicit money laundering activities.

As if this wasn’t alarming enough, the scammer went on to falsely assert that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against him at the Kurla police station in Mumbai for supposedly threatening a shopkeeper. To escalate the drama, the call was transferred to another person who claimed to be a legal authority, announcing that a Supreme Court warrant for his arrest had been issued, according to a report by TOI.

The fraudsters escalated their scheme by arranging a video call that mimicked a genuine court hearing. During this unsettling call, an individual impersonating a judge informed the victim that he would be remanded into custody for seven days. They further manipulated the situation by stating that he was under “digital arrest,” cautioning him that he could not leave his home or communicate with anyone without explicit permission.

In the following days, the scam artists maintained their pressure by repeatedly contacting him and pretending to work for various investigative agencies. They convinced him that his bank accounts were tied to criminal activities and urged him to transfer his funds for “verification.” Trusting the fabricated narrative, the elderly gentleman unwittingly transferred a staggering Rs 4.2 crore to multiple bank accounts provided by the scammers via WhatsApp.

The scam only came to light when the victim finally shared the details of the situation with his son, who realized that his father had fallen prey to a sophisticated scam.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Similar Scams

• Never disclose your bank details or Aadhaar number to unfamiliar callers.
• Genuine police or court officials will never request money to be sent to any account.
• If you receive a suspicious call, consult with a family member immediately and consider reporting it to the police.
• Remember, the concept of a “digital arrest” is entirely bogus.

It’s imperative to remain vigilant in today’s digital age, where scammers are constantly evolving their strategies. Awareness and caution can be your best defense against falling victim to fraud. Always remember to verify the identity of anyone who contacts you, especially when issues concerning finances or legal matters are at stake. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target for such deceptive schemes.