Scammers Impersonate CBI Officials, Trick Elderly Woman in Nine-Day Video Call Scam

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An elderly woman from Lucknow was subjected to prolonged video-call surveillance by individuals impersonating central investigative agency officials, resulting in a financial loss of ₹9 lakh.

Incident Details

The fraudsters allegedly maintained contact with the victim for nine consecutive days, coercing her into transferring funds under the pretense of an ongoing investigation. The scheme unfolded after the woman received a call from an unknown number on September 1, during which the caller claimed to represent a government agency and informed her of an arrest warrant.

Timeline of the Scam

The conversation was later transitioned to a video call, where the fraudsters allegedly displayed personnel in uniforms and agency logos to establish credibility. The victim was instructed to remain indoors and avoid communication with others, with repeated warnings that disconnection or disclosure of the matter would lead to legal consequences. Over the course of the surveillance, which lasted from September 1 to September 9, she was pressured to transfer ₹9 lakh to a specified bank account.

Response and Reporting

Following this, the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹15 lakh, prompting the woman to contact her son in the United States. Upon learning of the situation, the son advised her to cease all communication, leading her to recognize the scam. The woman subsequently reported the incident via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and filed a formal complaint at a local cybercrime police station on September 16.

Investigation and Financial Trail

Preliminary investigations revealed that the ₹9 lakh had been transferred to an account in Manipur. Law enforcement is pursuing measures to freeze the account and trace subsequent transactions. Digital forensics teams are analyzing mobile numbers, communication records, and financial trails to identify those involved. A specialized unit is being deployed to Manipur for further inquiries.

Similar Cases in Lucknow

This case aligns with a series of similar incidents in Lucknow, where fraudsters have employed digital-arrest tactics to extort victims. Earlier this year, a retired airport director and his spouse were allegedly defrauded of ₹70 lakh over a six-day period, while another retired official and his wife lost ₹42.09 lakh after 18 days of coercive video calls.

Expert Analysis

Cybercrime experts note that such scams typically leverage government agency names, forged documentation, and visual elements like uniforms and logos to manipulate victims. The prolonged engagement through video calls is a critical component, designed to isolate victims and amplify fear-based compliance.

Conclusion

Technical analysis of the fraud is ongoing, with investigators focusing on digital footprints and potential locations of the perpetrators. The case underscores the growing prevalence of sophisticated cyberfraud schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for public awareness and robust cybersecurity measures.