Mumbai Senior Citizen Loses Rs 9 Crore in Elaborate Online Scam

An 80-year-old man in Mumbai fell victim to a scam over nearly two years, losing almost Rs 9 crore. The fraud involved four women, who might actually be one person, exploiting his emotions through online interactions. This elaborate deception unfolded through 734 transactions, leaving the elderly man financially drained and emotionally distressed.

In April 2023, the elderly man sent a Facebook friend request to a woman named Sharvi. Although she didn't accept it initially, he later received a request from her account, which he accepted. Their conversations quickly moved from Facebook to WhatsApp, where Sharvi shared that she was separated from her husband and living with her children. She gradually began requesting money for her children's medical needs.

Deceptive Connections

Shortly after, another woman named Kavita contacted him on WhatsApp. Claiming to know Sharvi, she expressed a desire to befriend him and soon began sending inappropriate messages while also asking for money. In December of that year, Dinaz reached out, claiming to be Sharvi's sister and informing him of Sharvi's death. Dinaz manipulated him into paying hospital bills by sharing screenshots of his chats with Sharvi.

When the elderly man requested his money back from Dinaz, she threatened suicide. His troubles continued as Jasmine contacted him next, claiming to be Dinaz's friend and seeking assistance. The old man sent her money too.

Financial Ruin

Between April 2023 and January 2025, the man transferred Rs 8.7 crore across 734 transactions. With his savings depleted, he borrowed Rs 2 lakh from his daughter-in-law and later sought Rs 5 lakh from his son. His son's suspicions led the elderly man to reveal the reason behind his financial requests.

The realisation of being ensnared in cyber fraud took a toll on the man's health. He was hospitalised and diagnosed with dementia due to the shock of the situation. A cybercrime complaint was lodged on July 22 this year.

Ongoing Investigation

The police are now investigating this complex case of deception. They suspect that all four women could potentially be the same individual who orchestrated this elaborate scam against the unsuspecting elderly man.