Lost ₹70,000 Then Fell for ₹14.38 Lakh Recovery Scam

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A 70-year-old retired educator from Mumbai fell victim to a cybercrime scheme after initially losing ₹70,000 through an online scam, later losing an additional ₹14.38 lakh through a recovery scam.

Initial Fraudulent Scheme Targeting the Victim

The first incident occurred in September 2025 when the victim received a social media friend request from an individual identifying as Dr Krishna Mohan, a urologist based in Florida. To establish credibility, the suspect allegedly shared a copy of an American passport. The two engaged in regular communication, during which the fraudster claimed to be traveling to Dubai but faced restrictions on cash withdrawals due to U.S. regulations. He requested ₹15,000 as financial support, which the victim provided.

Social Media Friend Request and Initial Transfer

Subsequently, the suspect alleged that Dr Mohan had been detained at Delhi airport and required funds to settle customs duties for carrying U.S. dollars. The victim transferred ₹55,000 under this pretense, bringing the total loss to ₹70,000.

Follow-Up Fraud Involving Alleged Authorities

After the initial loss, the victim sought recovery assistance and contacted an individual who claimed to have communicated with a Reserve Bank of India official. This person requested ₹10,000 for account setup and ₹71,000 in GST fees. The victim complied but later lost contact with the fraudster.

False Claims of Investment and Recovery

Another scheme emerged when the victim encountered a social media advertisement titled “Cyber Victim Support.” A caller posing as a legal representative informed her that a case had been filed and that funds from the original fraud were allegedly invested in a wealth management company under her name. Documents purportedly showing a ₹6.92 lakh balance in an investment account were shared.

Exploitation Through False Recovery Promises

The victim was then contacted by an individual claiming to be a Delhi Cyber Police officer. This person alleged that the original funds had been placed in a managed account and required additional payments for taxes, legal fees, and administrative charges to access the amount. Believing the claims, the victim transferred ₹14.38 lakh over several months.

Realization of Deception and Reporting

When she could not withdraw the funds despite multiple payments, she recognized the deception and reported the incident to authorities.

Police Advisory on Fraudulent Recovery Services

The Eastern Region Cyber Police highlighted the increasing prevalence of scams targeting victims who seek to recover lost funds. Fraudsters often impersonate officials, legal representatives, or financial institutions to extract further payments under false pretenses. Authorities urge individuals to avoid unverified services and instead report incidents through official channels. The case underscores the risks of engaging with unsanctioned recovery platforms and the importance of verifying claims through legitimate law enforcement or government mechanisms.