Mumbai: In a shocking case of cybercrime, a 69-year-old professor from Mumbai's Powai area was digitally "arrested" and defrauded of Rs 3.70 lakh by cyber scammers.
The incident took place on July 9 between 8:42 am and 3:30 pm and involved a meticulously planned online con. The victim, Shyamlakumar Vimalakrishna Mukherjee, is associated with the New Horizon Institute of Technology and Management.
Impersonators Posed As Government Officials
According to Powai police, Mukherjee received a call from an unknown number where the caller identified himself as an official from the telecommunications department. The caller claimed that Mukherjee's mobile number and Aadhaar details had been used to open bank accounts involved in money laundering.
Threat Of ‘Digital Arrest’ Used To Intimidate Victim
This was followed by calls and video calls from two more numbers, during which the scammers threatened him with a "digital arrest" and coerced him into sharing his personal and banking information. Using the fear of a supposed CBI investigation, the fraudsters pressured Mukherjee into transferring Rs 3.70 lakh through RTGS.
Police Register Cyber Fraud Case At Powai Station
Once he realized he had been duped, Mukherjee lodged a complaint with the cyber police. A case has been registered at Powai police station against unidentified persons, and further investigation is underway.
