In a disturbing case of cyber scam, a 77-year-old woman from Bengaluru was swindled out of ₹1.2 crore by criminals posing as telecom and crime branch officials. The scam, which unfolded over 20 days, highlights the increasing vulnerability of senior citizens to sophisticated cyber scams.
The cyber scam Unfolds
Lakshmi Shivakumar, a resident of R.T. Nagar in Bengaluru, received a call on June 26 from an individual claiming to be from the Telecom Department. The caller informed her that a SIM card registered in her name in Mumbai had been used for illegal activities. This alarming news set the stage for a more elaborate ruse. According to Ms. Shivakumar’s complaint, the caller mentioned that as a standard procedure, the Telecom Department had filed a complaint with the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
Shortly after this initial call, Ms. Shivakumar was contacted by Sandeep Rao and Akash Kulhari, who claimed to be officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch. They accused her of laundering ₹60 crore and demanded her bank account details and investment proofs for verification. The fraudsters threatened her with arrest if she did not cooperate, even showing her a copy of an FIR and an arrest warrant purportedly issued by the Supreme Court. Under immense pressure and fearing legal repercussions, Ms. Shivakumar complied with their demands.
The Financial Deception
After obtaining her financial details, the scammers transferred ₹1,28,70,000 from Ms. Shivakumar’s account, assuring her that the money would be returned after the investigation. Trusting their words, she waited patiently for the completion of the so-called investigation. However, when she attempted to contact them later, the fraudsters had become unreachable. Realizing something was amiss, Ms. Shivakumar discussed the situation with her family and friends. They quickly recognized that she had fallen victim to a scam and urged her to report the incident to the police.
Ms. Shivakumar promptly filed a complaint with the North Division Cyber Crime police. Based on her complaint, the police have registered a case against the accused, Sandeep Rao and Akash Kulhari, under various sections of the IT Act, 2000, and for cheating under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita. The case has drawn attention to the urgent need for heightened awareness and protective measures against cyber fraud, especially among vulnerable populations like senior citizens.
Legal Actions and Awareness
The police are now investigating the case and working to track down the accused. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to deceive and defraud individuals. The authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and cautious, especially when receiving unsolicited calls requesting personal or financial information.
The Bengaluru police are also emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities and scams promptly. They are encouraging residents to educate themselves about common tactics used by fraudsters and to verify the identity of callers claiming to be from official departments before sharing any sensitive information.
In conclusion, this case of cyber scam against a 77-year-old woman in Bengaluru is a troubling example of how sophisticated and convincing scams can be. It underscores the necessity for continuous education and awareness to protect oneself and loved ones from falling prey to such deceitful schemes.
Also Read : Unmasking the Shadows: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cyber Frauds
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