In a shocking case of cyber fraud that highlights the growing sophistication of online criminals, a Coimbatore-based businessman was systematically duped of a staggering ₹67.7 lakh by a gang posing as high-ranking officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch and Reserve Bank of India.
The Elaborate Scam Unfolds
The sophisticated operation began when the 52-year-old businessman received a phone call from individuals claiming to be Sub-Inspector Ramesh Patil and Senior Police Inspector Vikram Singh from the Mumbai Crime Branch. The fraudsters presented a convincing narrative that immediately put the victim on edge.
The scammers alleged that a parcel containing drugs, passports, and credit cards sent in his name had been intercepted by authorities. To add credibility to their story, they even provided what appeared to be legitimate documents from the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Reserve Bank of India.
How the Fraudsters Operated
The criminal gang employed multiple tactics to maintain their deception over an extended period:
- Created a fake case number (NCB/23-24/C-009/748) to simulate official proceedings
- Used video calls while wearing what appeared to be police uniforms
- Provided fabricated RBI documents demanding financial verification
- Maintained constant communication to prevent the victim from seeking legitimate advice
- Transferred the victim between multiple fake officials to reinforce the scam's authenticity
The Financial Drain
Under the guise of verifying his bank accounts and protecting his funds, the fraudsters convinced the businessman to transfer substantial amounts from his accounts in four different banks. The transactions occurred between December 28 and January 2, with the victim completely unaware he was being systematically robbed.
The scammers even had the audacity to return ₹4.9 lakh to the victim, claiming it was "verified clean money," while secretly siphoning off nearly seventy times that amount.
Police Investigation Underway
The Coimbatore City Police have registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the sophisticated fraud. Preliminary findings suggest the gang used advanced social engineering techniques and possibly had access to the victim's personal information beforehand.
Cyber crime experts note that this case follows a familiar pattern seen in similar scams across India, where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials to create panic and compliance in their targets.
Protecting Yourself from Similar Scams
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all citizens to remain vigilant against such sophisticated fraud attempts:
- Never share banking credentials or personal information over unsolicited calls
- Verify the identity of officials by contacting their offices through official numbers
- Be skeptical of urgent demands for money transfers
- Consult with family members or trusted advisors before acting on pressure-filled requests
- Remember that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payments via phone
The investigation continues as authorities work to track down the sophisticated criminal network behind this elaborate ₹67.7 lakh scam.
