Mumbai News: Ghatkopar Doctor Duped Of ₹3.2 Lakh In WhatsApp Scam By Fraudster Impersonating Old Friend

A 47-year-old doctor from Ghatkopar fell victim to a cyber fraud in which a scammer, using a U.S.-based mobile number, impersonated an old friend "Roshni Masad", on WhatsApp and siphoned off ₹3.2 lakh under the pretext of a financial emergency.

The Parksite Police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology (IT) Act against the unidentified accused, based on a complaint lodged by the victim.

According to the FIR, the doctor, who resides on LBS Road in Ghatkopar (West), was contacted on the morning of June 3 at around 10:30 AM, via WhatsApp by someone claiming to be his friend “Roshni Masad.” The impersonator told the doctor that she was stuck in India due to financial issues and urgently needed money.

Trusting the identity, the doctor transferred ₹3.2 lakh to a bank account provided by the fraudster. The payment was made using banking credentials including an IDFC Bank IFSC code and UPI ID. The scammer later requested an additional ₹1.8 lakh, which raised suspicions.

The doctor attempted to call the WhatsApp number, but the voice was unclear. Further checks, he discovered that the number did not belong to his actual friend. Realizing the fraud, he immediately filed a complaint on the national cyber crime portal on June 3, followed by an email to the Parksite Police on June 17.

The Parksite Police have registered a case under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act against the unidentified accused. Police investigations are ongoing.