Mumbai : In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 65-year-old woman from Mumbai has lost a staggering ₹1.30 crore to scammers posing as officials from various organizations, including the Customs Department, Reserve Bank of India, and the International Monetary Fund. The victim, who lived in the Chandivali area of Powai until June 2024 before relocating to Byculla, reported that her ordeal began in April 2023 when she encountered a stranger on an international dating application.
The man, who introduced himself as Paul Rutherford, claimed to be an American civil engineer working in the Philippines. The initial interaction seemed friendly and promising, as he quickly gained the woman’s trust. After establishing a rapport, Rutherford began to spin an elaborate tale about his life, weaving a narrative that convinced the woman he was genuine and sincere.
As their online relationship progressed, Rutherford started to present various financial scenarios that required the victim’s assistance. He informed her that he was involved in a significant financial transaction that was being delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles and hefty fees imposed by government agencies. He claimed that, to expedite the process, he needed her help in transferring funds and paying off these alleged fees, which he insisted were necessary to unlock a larger sum of money meant for her.
The victim, believing she was helping her partner, complied with his requests, making multiple transactions over several months. The scammers used a variety of tactics to manipulate her, including fake documents and phone calls from individuals impersonating officials from the Customs Department and other organizations. They even went as far as creating elaborate ruses involving fake investment opportunities and promises of significant returns, further trapping her in the scheme.
It wasn’t until she had already sent over ₹1.30 crore that she began to suspect something was amiss. By the time she realized she had been duped, it was too late, and she had lost a considerable amount of her life savings. The woman reported the incident to the police, who have launched an investigation into the elaborate fraud scheme.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the growing prevalence of cyber fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship online. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when engaging in online relationships and to be wary of any requests for financial assistance from individuals they have met through dating platforms.
The Mumbai police have emphasized the importance of verifying the identities of individuals encountered online and advised against sharing personal or financial information without thorough scrutiny. As investigations continue, the hope is to track down the perpetrators and prevent further scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
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