Ahmedabad NRI Couple Defrauded of Rs 33 Lakh in Elaborate WhatsApp Video Call Scam
In a shocking incident that highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime, an elderly NRI couple from Ahmedabad lost Rs 33 lakh to fraudsters who posed as anti-terror officials. The scam, which unfolded over a week in early April, began with a deceptive WhatsApp video call on April 2 and involved a complex web of psychological manipulation, fake documents, and relentless pressure.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Tale of Terror and Deception
The victims, a 78-year-old retired teacher and her husband, both US citizens residing in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, received a video call from individuals claiming to be from the Anti-Terrorism Squad. The caller alleged that during a raid on a farmhouse owned by a terrorist named Asif, authorities had seized weapons, cash, and approximately 200 Aadhaar cards, including one belonging to the husband.
To bolster their credibility, the fraudsters correctly spelled out the couple's full Aadhaar numbers after obtaining the last four digits, convincing them of their authenticity as officers. They further claimed that a bank account had been opened in the husband's name at a private bank in Pahalgam, with the wife listed as a joint holder, and accused them of money laundering involving lakhs of rupees.
Psychological Pressure and Isolation Tactics
The scammers employed intense psychological tactics to isolate the couple and prevent them from seeking help. During video calls, the fraudster kept his face hidden and warned of severe legal consequences if they disclosed any information. The couple was instructed to report via WhatsApp video call every three hours, not to inform anyone else, and to ensure no third person was present during the calls.
Fake documents, including arrest warrants and seizure orders bearing government seals, were sent to the couple. They were coerced into signing a confidentiality agreement and sharing its image through screen sharing. Additionally, the fraudsters demanded to see bank passbooks, cheque books, fixed deposits, property documents, and passports, further escalating the pressure.
The Financial Drain: Rs 33 Lakh Transferred Under Duress
As the scam progressed, another caller posing as an officer joined in, directing the woman to prove her innocence by transferring money via RTGS to a private bank account, with assurances that it would be returned after RBI clearance. On April 9, under immense pressure, she transferred Rs 24 lakh from a nationalised bank account and an additional Rs 9 lakh from a separate account, totaling Rs 33 lakh.
The fraudsters also instructed the couple to move funds from a senior citizen savings scheme into a joint account. Later, citing errors, they demanded the couple sign documents again and break four fixed deposits in a private bank to deposit the money into a savings account, which the victims complied with out of fear.
Discovery and Aftermath: A Wake-Up Call for Cyber Vigilance
The complainant began to suspect foul play on Friday night and informed her sister and brother-in-law the next day. After verifying with contacts, the fraud was confirmed. Despite this, the accused continued to call and pressure the couple to transfer more money via WhatsApp video calls even on Monday, when a formal complaint was filed with the Cybercrime police.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by elderly individuals and NRIs in the digital age. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, verify official communications independently, and report suspicious activities immediately to prevent such sophisticated scams.
