Bengaluru Woman Falls Victim to ₹32 Crore Cyber Scam

In a harrowing incident that illustrates the dangers of digital fraud, a 57-year-old woman from Bengaluru has reported a staggering loss of about ₹32 crore over a six-month cyber scam. The fraudsters posed as officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), subjecting her to relentless psychological manipulation under the guise of a “digital arrest.” This alarming case has prompted her to file an official complaint against the perpetrators.

Onset of the Scam

The ordeal began on September 15, 2024, when the victim received a phone call from someone claiming to represent DHL in Andheri. The caller alleged that a parcel registered under her name contained illegal items, including credit cards, passports, and drugs. This alarming news set the stage for an elaborate scam that would unfold over the following months.

Without giving her a chance to respond, the call was abruptly transferred to individuals impersonating CBI officers, who threatened her with arrest. They claimed to possess overwhelming evidence of her wrongdoing, insisting that she could not contact the police due to imminent danger from criminals allegedly surveilling her home.

The Psychological Toll

Faced with threats that included potential harm to her family and stressing over her son’s upcoming wedding, the woman felt compelled to comply. To reinforce their control, the fraudsters instructed her to remain under constant video surveillance via Skype, using two separate accounts for monitoring.

Initially, a man named Mohit Handa kept an eye on her, followed by Rahul Yadav, who took over for a week. Another impersonator, who claimed to be a senior CBI officer named Pradeep Singh, engaged in daily communications, demanding that she prove her innocence.

“I was required to report my location and activities over Skype continually,” she recounted. She was told that her funds would be returned by February 25 after completing various procedures.

Financial Exploitation

Under duress, the victim began sharing personal financial information and executed numerous bank transfers as instructed. From September 24 to October 22, she transferred significant sums, culminating in a promised “surety amount” of ₹2 crore between October 24 and November 3. The perpetrators continued to solicit more payments, citing taxes and other fees, with the promise of a clearance letter that would clear her name before her son’s engagement on December 6.

Despite receiving a fake clearance letter on December 1, the escalating pressure took a toll on her mental and physical health. She subsequently fell gravely ill, requiring a month of medical care before regaining her strength.

Communication Breakdown

Following her son’s wedding in June, the scammers began demanding additional processing charges, continuously pushing back the timeline for her supposed refunds. Finally, on March 26, 2025, all communication ceased, leaving the woman feeling abandoned and defrauded.

In total, she had conducted 187 transactions, accumulating a loss of approximately ₹31.83 crore. Once the weight of the situation became unbearable, she decided to take action and filed a formal complaint with the authorities in hopes of recovering her lost funds.

Taking Action

The case underscores the severe risks associated with online scams, particularly those involving identity theft and impersonation. Authorities are now investigating the matter, emphasizing the need for public awareness about such scams. The woman’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which fraudsters can go, manipulating victims through fear and deceit.

As digital transactions become increasingly common, vigilance and awareness are crucial for protecting oneself against similar threats. It remains to be seen if the authorities can trace the culprits and ultimately bring them to justice.