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Cyber fraudsters duped 61-year-old retiree of ₹40 lakh, police say
Fraudsters impersonating ATS and NIA officers contacted a 61-year-old retiree in Mumbai in March 2026, claiming links to money laundering and orders to attach his property. He transferred about ₹40 lakh across several payments before realizing the scam and approaching police. Authorities have registered a case against unknown perpetrators under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Why It Matters
The case highlights risks of impersonation scams targeting seniors and the importance of verifying official communications, with law enforcement pursuing the perpetrators.
Timeline
4 Events
Complaint to police and case registration
May 6, 2026
After the promised refund did not come, the complainant approached the police. Authorities registered a case against unknown persons under sections 308 (extortion), 318 (cheating), 319 (cheating by personation), 336 (forgery), and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Further demand for funds and bail deposit; wife loans ₹10 lakh
March 16, 2026
The fraudsters asked for another ₹30–35 lakh as a security deposit to grant bail. The complainant arranged funds through a ₹10 lakh loan taken by his wife, and the money was transferred to the fraudsters’ bank accounts.
Initial demand and payment of ₹28 lakh
March 13, 2026
The complainant was instructed to isolate himself and transfer ₹2.95 lakh initially; he subsequently paid ₹28 lakh to the fraudsters. The attackers continued to claim they would refund the money after the alleged orders were executed.
Video call from impersonator claiming ATS/NIA involvement
March 10, 2026
The complainant received a video call from a man who claimed to be an officer of the Anti-Terrorism Squad and National Investigation Agency. The caller said, during the Delhi blast probe, an account in the complainant’s name was used for money laundering and that an account opened in Hubli had laundered ₹2.64 crore. He asserted that the Supreme Court had ordered property attachment and arrest.