In a distressing incident highlighting the vulnerabilities of senior citizens to digital deception, a 72-year-old woman from south Mumbai fell victim to an elaborate online astrology scam, losing a substantial sum of Rs 88,000. The retired BMC clerk, seeking solutions for personal and family matters, encountered fraudulent advertisements on popular social media platforms, leading to significant financial exploitation.
Social Media Lures and Initial Contact
According to detailed police reports, the elderly complainant first came across posts promoting astrology and relationship-healing services on Instagram and Facebook in early November 2025. These advertisements, which appeared amidst her regular social media browsing, promised expert guidance for family harmony and personal issues. Intrigued and hopeful for positive changes, she decided to explore these services further.
The Fraudulent Interaction Unfolds
On November 4, 2025, the woman contacted a mobile number prominently displayed in one of the online advertisements. The call was answered by a man who introduced himself as Ravi Bhargava, claiming to be a professional astrologer based in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. He presented himself as knowledgeable and trustworthy, ready to assist with her concerns.
The interaction began with a seemingly modest request: Bhargava charged an initial fee of Rs 199 for basic astrological advice, which the complainant promptly paid via Google Pay. This small transaction established a false sense of legitimacy and trust, paving the way for more substantial demands.
Escalating Demands and Multiple Payments
Following the initial payment, Bhargava gradually escalated his requests under various pretexts. He cited the need for specialized rituals, including puja ceremonies, hom-havan offerings, and detailed guidance related to her son's personal life. Each new requirement came with an associated cost, presented as essential for achieving the desired outcomes.
Between November 6 and November 8, 2025, the elderly woman made multiple digital payments to a Google Pay-linked mobile number provided by the accused. These transactions varied in amount, ranging from Rs 7,777 to as high as Rs 40,000 per transfer. In total, she transferred Rs 87,176, cumulatively reaching approximately Rs 88,000 when combined with the initial fee.
Realization and Police Complaint
As doubts began to surface, the complainant, identified in reports as Thakur, sought tangible proof of the rituals supposedly performed on her behalf. She requested documentation or evidence of the services rendered, but Bhargava consistently avoided providing any substantiation. When she further demanded a refund of the substantial amounts paid, the accused allegedly stopped responding to her calls and messages, effectively cutting off communication.
Suspecting that she had been deliberately deceived, Thakur took decisive action by approaching the local police authorities. She lodged a formal complaint detailing the entire sequence of events, from the initial social media encounter to the repeated financial transactions and subsequent evasion by the accused. The police have registered the case and initiated an investigation into the matter, aiming to identify and apprehend the individual behind this fraudulent scheme.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
This incident underscores the growing trend of cybercriminals exploiting social media platforms to target vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly. The use of emotionally appealing services like astrology and family healing creates a potent lure for those seeking personal or relational improvements. The case also highlights the risks associated with digital payment methods, which, while convenient, can facilitate rapid and untraceable financial transfers to scammers.
Authorities advise citizens to exercise extreme caution when engaging with unsolicited offers online, especially those requiring upfront payments for intangible services. Verifying the credentials of service providers, avoiding large transactions without proper verification, and reporting suspicious activities promptly are crucial steps in preventing such frauds. For senior citizens, family members and caregivers are encouraged to monitor online interactions and educate them about common digital scams.
