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in Government Impersonation
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, nearly one in five UK consumers fell victim to scams, with purchase scams averaging £650 in losses and investment scams significantly higher at £15,564 per claim. The top reported scams included fake deliveries, HMRC impersonation, purchase fraud, and romance schemes, with the majority originating on social media platforms where AI-enabled tactics are making scams increasingly difficult to identify. Experts stress that consumers feel overwhelmed by evolving scam methods and call for cross-industry collaboration to combat fraud, while recommending people avoid disclosing personal details, verify company contacts, and resist pressure to make quick decisions.
greybullstandard.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impostor scams where criminals pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money—one Big Horn County resident lost over $20,000 in such a scheme. Scammers employ phishing techniques to harvest personal information from victims and social media, using these details to make fraudulent requests appear legitimate and to impersonate targets for additional scams. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023 (467,361 to 880,418 complaints) with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and authorities advise
kclyradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wichita man in his mid-70s lost $15,000 to a multi-agency impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as Amazon, Social Security Administration, and U.S. Marshals Service officials falsely accused him of money laundering and instructed him to purchase bitcoin as "proof" of innocence. Bank employees intervened before additional funds could be transferred, prompting a police report and FBI notification. Authorities warn that legitimate government agencies and major corporations never contact citizens by phone to claim account compromises or request money transfers.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Former TV host David Koch's image was used without permission in a fraudulent investment scam that convinced victim Allison to lose $250,000. The article reports that fake celebrity-endorsed investment advertisements have defrauded over 600,000 Australians as part of a multi-billion-dollar scam industry, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate celebrities and create fake endorsements. NAB warns that common red flags include unexpected contact, artificially created urgency, and celebrity or expert endorsements, particularly on social media platforms.
weau.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides tax season fraud prevention advice from the Better Business Bureau. Scammers impersonate the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and refunds through unsolicited calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—tactics the IRS never uses. Key protective measures include filing taxes early to prevent identity theft, researching tax preparers' credentials through the BBB, and reporting suspected fraud to the IRS or FTC.
cdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old from Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to launder over $2.7 million stolen from romance scam victims. She helped funnel money from these schemes to international criminals and kept $203,815.59 for herself, which she was ordered to forfeit as part of her sentence. Romance scams—where fraudsters create fake online personas to deceive victims into sending money—disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including the elderly who lose savings and retirement funds.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud or scams targeting seniors. Instead, it discusses the Jellycat plush toy phenomenon, including its massive popularity online, soaring sales (£200m in revenue), and the secondary market for rare collectibles. The article notes that the high resale value of limited-edition Jellies has made them theft targets, leading retailers to implement extensive security measures including CCTV, security tags, and facial recognition software to combat what may be organized shoplifting operations.
**Note:** This content falls outside Elderus's focus on elder fraud and abuse and should not be included in the database.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During tax season, scammers pose as the IRS and tax preparers to steal sensitive documents and money through unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts demanding immediate payment—a tactic the IRS never uses. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing taxes early, verifying tax preparer credentials through the Better Business Bureau, and recognizing red flags such as poor grammar, urgent language, and generic greetings. Those who suspect tax identity theft should report the issue to the IRS and FTC and use the FTC's identity theft recovery plan.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS typically initiates contact by mail and provides guidance on legitimate contact methods including email, text, phone, fax, and rare in-person visits, all of which require prior notification except for criminal investigations. The IRS warns against impersonators by clarifying what it does not do: direct message on social media, accept gift cards or prepaid debit cards as payment, use threatening automated calls directing to non-IRS websites, or demand citizenship documents or business licenses. Legitimate IRS employees carry official identification, and taxpayers can verify visits through Letter 725-B for revenue officers or use the Employee Verification Tool to confirm Criminal Investigation special agents.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
An 18-year-old student on a social visit pass to Singapore was arrested after being manipulated by scammers into assisting with an impersonation fraud targeting an elderly woman, who lost S$290,000 after being deceived into believing her identity had been misused in China. The teenager herself had been a prior victim of the same scam and was tricked into believing she was helping with official investigations. She now faces potential imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine if convicted of cheating.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials via WhatsApp video call, falsely accused him of money laundering and illegal package delivery, and held him in psychological captivity for 40 hours while coercing him to make financial transactions and isolating him from contacting others. After publicly sharing his experience to raise awareness, Bahuguna responded to critics by emphasizing that scammers conduct personal research to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, and urged people to educate others about the scam rather than dismiss victims as foolish.
in.mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
31-year-old YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna lost Rs 2.5 lakhs in a "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake automated call about a cancelled courier delivery. After pressing zero to connect with "customer service," scammers fabricated claims of illegal items in a package allegedly sent by him, then transferred the call to WhatsApp video where an impersonator dressed as a police officer accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking while threatening his family and keeping him under "self-custody" surveillance for 40 hours. Bahuguna was freed from the ordeal only when a concerned friend alerted him to similar cases circulating online.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Canton, Michigan woman was defrauded of $65,000 in December 2024 after scammers posing as bank fraud officers convinced her she owed money due to an account error. Li Biao, a Chinese national in the country illegally, was arrested while collecting the third scheduled payment of $25,000 after police set up surveillance at the victim's home, and he faces felony charges for fraud and obstructing police. A second suspect remains at large, though Canton Police recovered at least the final $25,000 and emphasized the importance of hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting banks directly rather than following caller instructions.
vpnranks.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 with over 101,000 victims aged 60 and older reporting fraud, representing an 11% increase in losses and 14% increase in complaints compared to 2022. Tech support scams are the most commonly reported fraud type affecting seniors, while investment scams cause the highest financial damages at over $1.2 billion. Projections estimate elder fraud losses could rise to $4.47 billion by 2025 with approximately 121,229 victims, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and protective measures.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that criminals are increasingly using generative AI and deepfakes to exploit victims through 17 common techniques, including voice cloning, fake video calls impersonating authority figures, and phishing emails designed to manipulate people into revealing personal information or transferring funds. These tactics exploit emotional manipulation during crises and use AI-generated content that mimics trusted individuals and public figures. Individuals should remain vigilant by verifying identities through independent contact methods and remaining skeptical of unsolicited urgent requests for money or sensitive information.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau released its 2024 annual Scam Tracker report showing that online shopping scams remained the top fraud scheme for the fifth consecutive year, followed by phishing and employment scams. Scammers increasingly exploit new technologies like AI and deepfake video to impersonate legitimate organizations, conduct fake interviews, and use emotional manipulation and urgency tactics to target victims across all age groups. The BBB emphasizes that vigilance and refusing to engage with fraudsters is essential to combating these schemes.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Russell Rahm, leader of a telemarketing scheme spanning two decades (2000-2020), was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding 183,000 elderly and vulnerable victims of approximately $335 million through fake magazine subscription sales. The conspiracy involved 61 defendants across the U.S. and Canada who used fraudulent scripts and lead lists to trick victims into unwanted subscriptions, with some victims charged up to $1,000 monthly by multiple phony companies simultaneously; Rahm was ordered to pay full restitution.
cnbctv18.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating law enforcement held him hostage for nearly 40 hours, claiming he was linked to illegal items and threatening arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, fake police officers in video calls, and personal information to manipulate him into isolating himself at a hotel and causing significant financial and mental distress. Bahuguna shared his experience publicly to raise awareness, urging people to verify suspicious calls directly with authorities and emphasizing that scammers use personalized research to exploit victims through panic and fear.
bollywoodshaadis.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in January 2025 after receiving an automated call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. The scammers, impersonating police officers via WhatsApp video calls and armed with his personal information, isolated him from family and friends while holding him virtually hostage for 40 hours, threatening him with illegal substance charges. A vigilant friend's intervention ended the ordeal and prevented further financial loss, prompting Ankush to publicly share his experience to raise awareness about the evolving tactics and psychological manipulation tactics used in digital scams.
scoopwhoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna was held in a "digital arrest" scam for nearly 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming his package contained illegal items and had been seized by customs. The scammers used his personal information and fear tactics to manipulate him into complying with their demands, resulting in financial loss and significant emotional trauma. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness that tech-savvy individuals remain vulnerable to sophisticated scams that exploit psychological manipulation and panic.
patrika.com
· 2025-12-08
Social media influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which cybercriminals convinced him via a fake delivery package call that he faced arrest for alleged illegal substances, then held him in video calls for 40 hours while threatening prosecution and demanding he isolate from others. During this ordeal, Bahuguna lost money and suffered severe mental distress, remaining in shock afterward. These increasingly sophisticated scams exploit victims through fear tactics and prolonged manipulation to extract financial information and funds within short timeframes.
socialketchup.in
· 2025-12-08
Content creator Ankush Bahuguna shared his experience of falling victim to a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters falsely claimed his involvement in illegal activities, keeping him confined for over 40 hours after an initial call about a failed courier delivery. The scammers exploited his panic and personal information to manipulate him into isolating from loved ones and losing money, prompting him to publicly urge awareness about how these scams research victims and exploit emotional vulnerability rather than dismissing them as easily avoidable.
onlymyhealth.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital scam lasting nearly 40 hours that resulted in significant financial loss and severe mental health impacts, which he publicly documented on Instagram. The article provides expert guidance on responding to digital scams, including pausing to breathe, verifying caller information through official channels, disconnecting from the internet, documenting incidents, and seeking professional support. Digital scam victims commonly experience psychological effects including anxiety, depression, shame, and diminished confidence in using digital platforms.
startupnews.fyi
· 2025-12-08
A victim named Bahuguna fell prey to a "digital arrest" scam after answering a spoofed international call claiming his courier delivery was cancelled. Scammers convinced him that a package in his name contained illegal items, fabricated an arrest warrant, impersonated a police officer via fake video call, and coerced him into isolating himself in a hotel while threatening serious consequences for money laundering and drug trafficking charges. The victim suffered financial losses and severe mental health impacts, but friends' intervention helped him recognize the fraud; he now advocates awareness and vigilance, noting that cybercriminals use personalized research and panic tactics to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.
vietnamnet.vn
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Information Security warned of scammers in ASEAN "fraud camps" shifting from Telegram to Signal to conduct various frauds, including counterfeit currency schemes during Tet, fake investment and romance scams, and impersonation of bank employees requesting personal or financial information. Victims are advised to verify identities through official channels, avoid transacting with unknown individuals on social media, and report fraudulent activity to authorities rather than risk involvement in illegal transactions.
commbank.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational article encourages readers to make cybersecurity a New Year's resolution by conducting a security audit on their accounts. The piece provides practical advice on preventing scams, including using strong passwords with multifactor authentication, verifying suspicious contacts before responding, improving banking security settings, staying connected with friends and family, and reporting incidents to the National Anti-Scam Centre—noting that Australian scam losses decreased 52.8% in the first half of 2024 due to increased public education about fraud.
sungazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Lycoming County District Attorney Tom Marino warns that identity theft and financial scams—which disproportionately target senior citizens—operate worldwide and persist year-round, with common schemes including impersonation of government agencies (IRS, tax bureau) requesting payments or offering false refunds, inheritance/lottery scams, and blackmail attempts. He recommends vigilance in public settings, limiting phone use visibility, and immediately disconnecting from suspicious callers claiming government authority or threatening to reveal personal information, as victims have lost tens of thousands of dollars to these operations.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ankush Bahuguna, a popular YouTuber, fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam lasting 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming a package in his name contained illegal items. The scammers impersonated police officers via video call, accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking, isolated him from outside contact, and attempted to coerce him into making suspicious bank transactions before a friend's intervention helped him recognize the fraud. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about this type of threatening scam and encourage others to remain vigilant against similar fraudulent calls.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which scammers impersonated law enforcement, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal package shipping, money laundering, and drug trafficking, and held him under "digital arrest" for approximately 40 hours while coercing him to isolate from the outside world. The scam began with an automated call about a cancelled courier delivery, escalated through manipulation using his personal information, and resulted in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness and educate others about the sophisticated tactics scammers use to control and panic victims into compliance.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna was held under "digital arrest" by scammers for approximately 40 hours after receiving a fraudulent call claiming an illegal item was detected in his package and that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. The scammers used personal information and panic tactics to coerce him into compliance, resulting in financial losses and significant mental health impacts. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about the sophistication and psychological manipulation tactics used in cyber arrest scams, urging others to stay vigilant and noting that victims may not recognize the fraud immediately.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
The "pig butchering scam" is a long-term romance and investment fraud where cybercriminals build trust with victims over weeks or months through dating apps and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and stealing their money. Notable victims include an Indian software professional in the US who lost $450,000, a Malaysian nurse who accumulated $270,000 in debt, and a San Francisco man who lost over $1 million; the scam predominantly targets students, unemployed youth, homemakers, and financially vulnerable individuals. India's Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued a warning about the rising prevalence of these scams in the country.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Vidya, a marketing consultant, lost Rs 6 crore to a "digital arrest" scam in September 2024 in which criminals posing as officials convinced her to liquidate assets and transfer funds while keeping her under fake video surveillance. Through persistent follow-up with law enforcement, bank connections, and court orders, she recovered approximately Rs 60.4 lakh (about one-tenth of the loss), though the case reveals significant systemic failures in money tracing, inter-agency coordination, and bank accountability in recovering scammed funds.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
Instagram influencer Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonating government officials falsely claimed he had sent illegal items to China and threatened him with arrest. Held on video call in "self-custody" for 40 hours without contact with others, the scammers extracted his bank details and personal information, coerced him into suspicious bank transactions, and caused him significant financial and psychological harm. He publicly shared his experience to raise awareness about the sophisticated manipulation tactics these scammers use to create fear and control victims.
dnaindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Popular YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna fell victim to a digital arrest scam in January 2024, during which scammers held him hostage for approximately 40 hours by impersonating customs officials and police officers. The scammers manipulated him through fake calls claiming illegal items were found in a package sent to China, threatened him with serious criminal charges including money laundering and drug trafficking, and extracted money from him while causing significant financial and mental health damage. Bahuguna publicly shared his experience on Instagram to raise awareness about the growing threat of digital arrest scams and how extensively scammers can control victims.
bigcountrynewsconnection.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration is warning the public about ongoing scams involving fraudulent calls requesting personal details and banking information. The SSA clarifies that it will never request personal information or money in exchange for benefits, and advises recipients to hang up on suspicious calls and report them to the appropriate authorities.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a warning about a nationwide phone scam where fraudsters impersonate CBP officers and Border Patrol agents, threatening that law enforcement is on the way or promising money in exchange for personal information like Social Security numbers. Scammers use pre-recorded messages claiming to have intercepted shipments of drugs or money, and some have spoofed real CBP employee names and badge numbers to appear authentic. CBP emphasized it never calls unsolicited to demand money, threaten citizens, or request sensitive information, and advised victims to report such calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Washington DC retiree was defrauded through a government impersonation scam in which scammers posing as FBI and police officials convinced her to withdraw $595,000 from her 401(k) to assist in a fake drug cartel investigation. In addition to losing her life savings, Boivin now faces a $180,000 tax liability ($137,000 federal and $42,000 state) since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated protections that previously allowed fraud victims to claim theft deductions. Two bipartisan bills in Congress that would restore these protections for fraud victims remain stalled in the intro
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Rising voice phishing (vishing) attacks in Pune use sophisticated social engineering tactics, data familiarity, and technology tools like IVR to impersonate legitimate companies and manipulate victims into sharing personal information. Scammers specifically target vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities such as fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out), with surveys indicating over 60% of Indians receive three or more scam calls daily despite Do Not Disturb lists. Prevention measures include avoiding unknown calls, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and suspicious numbers, and using legitimate communication channels like Caller ID badges and in-app calling services offered by companies.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian government launched a new "Report and Check Suspect" feature on its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) that allows citizens to search a database of known cybercriminals using identifiers like phone numbers, email addresses, UPI IDs, and social media handles. This tool is designed to help prevent digital arrest scams and other cybercrimes by enabling the public to verify the legitimacy of unknown callers or entities before sharing personal information or conducting financial transactions. The I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre) database proactively identifies and blocks fake IDs used by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials.
cj.my
· 2025-12-08
Maybank launched Money Lock, a security feature on its MAE App that allows Malaysian customers to lock specific amounts (from RM10 to their full balance) in their accounts, protecting funds from digital access while maintaining eligibility for interest earnings. The feature, designed particularly for vulnerable groups like seniors, requires users to visit an ATM or branch to unlock funds, adding an extra layer of protection against online fraud. Locked funds remain shielded from online transfers, ATM withdrawals, debit card payments, and other digital transactions while complementing Maybank's existing fraud prevention measures.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old retired therapist in Washington, DC was defrauded by scammers posing as FBI agents and police officers who convinced her that her Social Security number was involved in criminal activity. Over several months in 2023, she withdrew $595,000 from her 401(k) to assist in a fake investigation, resulting in a $180,000+ tax liability she now owes to the IRS and Maryland. The scam traces to a call center in India, and while she may have limited recourse for the stolen funds, potential Congressional legislation could restore tax deductions for fraud victims that were eliminated in 2017.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio established the Supply Chain Oversight and Procurement Enforcement (SCOPE) Task Force in 2024 to investigate and prevent government contract fraud involving military, law enforcement, and public health supplies. The interagency task force will address schemes involving substandard medications supplied to veterans, counterfeit military equipment, faulty electronics for NASA, and other supply chain integrity breaches that pose national security risks. The task force held its inaugural meeting in February 2025 with participation from multiple federal agencies including the FBI, HSI, NCIS, and Veterans Affairs.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two retired government employees in Mumbai fell victim to separate digital arrest scams in November. A 68-year-old retired banker lost Rs 1.2 crore after being threatened with false allegations of money laundering and terrorism, while a 74-year-old retired Income Tax officer was defrauded of Rs 25 lakh through fake letters from the I-T department and RBI claiming involvement in a money laundering case. Both victims were isolated through video calls and threatened with arrest before liquidating their savings, though the second victim eventually recognized inconsistencies in the fraudulent documents and reported the scam to police.
lovellchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and successful, with law enforcement reporting a notable uptick in impersonation schemes where scammers pose as government officials or law enforcement to threaten arrest and extort money. Phishing—the collection of personal information through unsolicited communications—is being used as an initial phase to make scams appear legitimate, with one recent Big Horn County victim losing over $20,000 after being convinced by a scammer posing as a government agent that they owed money. The FBI reported that online fraud complaints doubled from 2019 to 2023, with financial losses exceeding $12.5 billion, and law enforcement advises citizens to verify suspicious
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
Dating Sunday, the first Sunday of January, marks the year's busiest day for online dating apps, with Tinder expecting a 22% increase in messages as millions of singles pursue New Year's relationship goals. However, this surge in users also attracts romance scammers and catfishers, with $1.14 billion lost to romance scams in recent years and a typical 40% increase in scam activity during this period. Users should protect themselves by verifying authentic profiles, avoiding sending money to anyone, and being wary of individuals reluctant to meet in person or move conversations offline.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Rebecca C. Lutzko announced her resignation as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, effective January 3, 2025, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik assuming the role. During her tenure leading approximately 175 prosecutors and staff, Lutzko's office oversaw prosecutions involving violent crime, organized gang activity, financial crime, public corruption, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and cybercrime, while also recovering tens of millions of dollars in healthcare fraud and civil cases across Ohio's 40 northern counties.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman from Mumbai lost Rs 1.5 crore after scammers posing as Delhi police and government officials convinced her she was under investigation for money laundering and drug trafficking in connection with a food courier package sent to her daughter in the US. The fraudsters conducted video calls in fake police uniforms, showed fabricated arrest warrants and investigation reports, and pressured her into revealing banking details and transferring the money to their accounts. She discovered the scam only after discussing it with a family member and reported it to Mumbai Police's Cybercrime Cell.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman from South Mumbai lost ₹1.51 crore in a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated police officials and government representatives, claiming she was under investigation for money laundering and drug offenses. The scammers initiated contact by falsely claiming illegal items were in a courier package she sent to her daughter in the US, then convinced her to transfer funds to protect her assets through forged documents and video calls with actors in police uniforms. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the situation with family and reported it to authorities; police advise the public to verify caller identities and avoid sharing personal details over the phone.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai lost ₹1.5 crore to scammers posing as Delhi Special Investigation Team (SIT) officers in a "digital arrest" fraud, where they falsely claimed she was under investigation for money laundering and threatened her with criminal action. The fraudsters manipulated her through staged video calls with fake warrants and pressured her into transferring ₹1.15 crore to their accounts before she discovered the scam through conversation with a relative and reported it to police.