Retired Serviceman’s Wife Scammed of ₹35 Lakh by Fake Police Callers

A 66-year-old retired serviceman’s wife from Bengaluru was tricked by cybercriminals who posed as police officers. The scammers accused her of money laundering, put her under "digital arrest," and forced her to transfer ₹35 lakh over five days.

  • The victim received a call claiming to be from TRAI (Telephone Regulatory Authority of India), accusing her of illegal activities linked to a SIM card purchased in her name.
  • The fraudsters used fake caller IDs to impersonate Mumbai Police, making the call appear official.
  • They threatened her with physical arrest and invoked a fake “Supreme Court Secrets Act,” prohibiting her from speaking to anyone, including her husband.
  • The criminals falsely accused her of receiving ₹6.2 crore in illegal funds and linked her name to criminal activities.
  • They monitored her movements and actions 24/7, using psychological pressure to make her comply.
  • The scammers forced her to transfer ₹35 lakh, claiming it was for “verification” by a Supreme Court auditor. They promised to refund the amount within 48 hours.
  • She realized the scam only after contacting the real Mumbai Police when the money wasn’t returned.

This case is a reminder of how cybercriminals use fear and fake identities to manipulate victims. Always verify calls claiming to be from authorities, avoid sharing sensitive information, and never transfer money without proper verification. Stay alert and use cybersecurity tools to protect yourself.