A sophisticated cyber fraud operation has stripped a 64-year-old retired man in Thane of his life savings, amounting to a staggering Rs 1.25 crore. The elaborate con, which played out over three weeks, involved fraudsters impersonating officials from a government data board and police officers, weaving a terrifying tale of terrorist links and money laundering to panic their victim into compliance.
The Anatomy of a Sophisticated Scam
The ordeal for the Panchpakhadi resident began on November 11, 2025. He received a call from a man identifying himself as Rajesh Kumar Chaudhary, who claimed to be an official from the "Data Protection Board of India" in Mumbai. The caller alleged that the victim's Aadhaar card had been misused to obtain a SIM card in Nashik, which was being used to threaten people. He informed the senior citizen that a criminal case had been filed at Panchvati Police Station and that Nashik Police would soon contact him.
The plot thickened swiftly. As promised, another call arrived, this time from a person posing as Police Sub-Inspector Sandeep Rai from Panchvati Police Station in Nashik. This fake officer not only confirmed the earlier story but dramatically escalated the accusations. He claimed a Canara Bank account had been fraudulently opened in the victim's name in Nashik and was being used for massive illegal transactions linked to terrorist organisations and money laundering.
Creating an Atmosphere of Fear and Secrecy
The scammers expertly manipulated their victim by invoking serious laws like the National Security Act, suggesting severe legal consequences including arrest. They instructed him to take calls in private and sternly warned him against informing anyone—even family members—threatening immediate arrest if he disclosed the matter. To establish undeniable credibility, the fraudsters conducted WhatsApp video calls while dressed in police uniforms.
"The scammers created an atmosphere of panic," explained a police officer familiar with the case. "They maintained regular video calls, conducting what appeared to be official interrogations." To further the illusion, they sent the victim fabricated documents purportedly from SEBI and the RBI to reinforce the legitimacy of their so-called investigation. Under this sustained psychological pressure, the victim divulged detailed information about all his bank accounts, investments, and financial holdings.
The Final Act: Transferring the Funds
The scam reached its climax when the fraudsters, having gained the victim's terrified trust, instructed him to transfer all his savings for "fund regularisation." They assured him the money would be returned after verification. The victim, a retired deputy manager who now trades in shares, complied.
On November 28, he visited a branch of Union Bank in Thane and transferred Rs 75 lakh via RTGS to an account specified by the criminals. Just a few days later, on December 3, he transferred another Rs 50.50 lakh to a different account. The total loss amounted to Rs 1.25 crore.
The Realisation and Police Complaint
The bubble of deception finally burst on December 4. The victim chanced upon a newspaper article describing a similar cyber fraud modus operandi. The shocking similarities made him realise he had been ruthlessly defrauded. He immediately informed his family and filed a formal complaint at the Naupada Police Station in Thane.
This case highlights the alarming sophistication of modern cybercriminals who use fear, official-looking documentation, and visual props like uniforms to exploit their targets. It serves as a critical reminder for the public, especially seniors, to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls alleging criminal activity and demanding secrecy and money transfers.
