This week, India witnessed several shocking cyber fraud cases, reminding us of the importance of digital vigilance. Below are some real-life incidents that unfolded over the past week, narrated in a storytelling format to highlight how victims were deceived and what we can learn from their experiences.
This Week’s Cyber Fraud Stories
1. The Banker’s Nightmare – Noida’s ₹3.14 Crore Scam
A 78-year-old retired banker from Noida received a video call from someone impersonating an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The scammer convinced him that a criminal case had been filed against him in Mumbai for alleged involvement in hawala transactions linked to a money laundering case against Jet Airways’ founder. They warned that his bank accounts and fixed deposits would be frozen unless he transferred his funds to a “secret supervision account.” Under pressure and fearing legal repercussions, he complied, transferring ₹3.15 crore, only to realize later that he had been duped.
2. The Mangaluru Trap – When Quick Money Leads to Heavy Losses
In Mangaluru, two individuals fell victim to online scams, collectively losing nearly ₹15 lakh. A 46-year-old schoolteacher from Sullia taluk came across a Facebook advertisement on March 7 promising high returns: “Start with ₹21,000 and earn ₹17 lakh in 28 days.” Enticed, he registered by providing his mobile number and email ID. He was then contacted by individuals who guided him to create an account on a platform called GMZ Global Trading. Over the next few days, he transferred ₹5 lakh through multiple transactions via UPI and RTGS. When he attempted to withdraw his investment, he was asked to invest more money. Realizing he had been duped, he reported the incident to the CEN Crime Police Station.
Similarly, a 26-year-old woman from Kadaba taluk, working as a computer operator, received messages via Telegram on February 15 offering money for completing simple online tasks. Initially, she received small amounts for her participation. Later, she was asked to invest money for bigger tasks and received increased returns. Encouraged by these early returns, she continued investing larger sums, ultimately transferring ₹9.97 lakh. When she requested a refund, she was told that NEFT was not possible and that additional money was required to initiate a withdrawal. No amount was credited back, leading her to realize she had been scammed. She filed a case at the CEN Crime Police Station.
3. A Doctor’s Trust Betrayed – Pune’s ₹70 Lakh Racket
A Pune-based anesthesiologist in her late 50s fell victim to a cyber fraud, losing ₹70 lakh. The doctor received a call from a man posing as a bank executive, claiming a malfunction with a card registered in her name. Denying ownership of such a card, she was informed of potential criminal activity and advised to contact ‘Delhi CID.’ During a video call, a fraudster impersonating a ‘Delhi CID officer’ in a police uniform alleged that ₹3 crore transactions linked to organ and child trafficking were traced to her accounts. Threatened with arrest, she was coerced into transferring ₹70 lakh to a fraudulent account for ‘investigation compliance.’ The scam unraveled when she consulted a relative about mortgaging her house for additional funds. She then approached the cyber crime police station to file a complaint.
4. Mumbai’s ₹20 Crore Extortion – A Tale of Fear and Manipulation
An 86-year-old woman from South Mumbai was targeted by fraudsters posing as police officials. Late last year, she received calls accusing her of involvement in a money laundering operation, claiming her Aadhaar card had been used to open a fraudulent bank account. Threatening to file cases against her and her family, the scammers coerced her into transferring ₹20.25 crore between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025. They even fabricated a “digital arrest” to intimidate her further. Upon realizing the deceit, she filed a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Platform and the south cyber police station. Investigations led to the arrest of two individuals, Shayan Jamil Sheikh and Rajik Azam Butt, linked to an international fraud network.
5. The TASMAC Scandal – A Web of Corruption and Digital Deceit
In Tamil Nadu, the state-run liquor company, TASMAC, has been embroiled in a financial scandal. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncovered unaccounted cash deals involving private distilleries, bottling firms, and officials of TASMAC, amounting to over ₹1,000 crore. Investigations revealed manipulation in tender processes, inflated expenses, and unauthorized transactions. Distillery companies allegedly offered kickbacks to TASMAC officials to secure favorable supply orders, leading to substantial financial fraud.
Cybersecurity Alerts & Trends
- Scammers are posing as law enforcement and regulatory officials to create panic and extort money.
- Fake investment schemes and job offers on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp are on the rise.
- Elderly citizens are becoming prime targets due to their limited digital literacy.
Lessons & Preventive Measures
- Verify before you act: If you receive a legal threat over a call, cross-check with the official agency’s helpline.
- No government agency asks for money transfers: Legitimate investigations do not require deposits or fund transfers.
- Watch out for online ‘too-good-to-be-true’ schemes: If an investment or work-from-home job promises high returns with minimal effort, it is likely a scam.
- Educate and protect the elderly: Share awareness materials with older family members to ensure they do not fall for manipulative tactics.
- Report cyber fraud immediately: Contact the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or report online at cybercrime.gov.in.
This week’s cases reinforce that cybercrime is evolving, targeting individuals across all walks of life. The best way to stay safe is to remain cautious, informed, and proactive. We urge all Complaint Hub Citizen Community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Stay Alert. Stay Safe.
For further assistance, contact:
Cyber Security Team, Complaint Hub
Email: help@complainthub.org
Online: Click Here (Cybercrime)