UN Doctor Social Media Scam Exposed: Fake Identity and Financial Deception
Social Media Scam: 74-Year-Old Woman Loses ₹50.8 Lakh
A 74-year-old woman from Mumbai fell victim to a sophisticated social media scam, losing ₹50.8 lakh to a cyber fraudster who posed as a United Nations doctor.
The Scam
The scammer, claiming to be a New Zealand-based gynaecologist working in Yemen, manipulated the victim into providing financial assistance for his daughter’s supposed medical treatment.
The scam began when the victim accepted a friend request from a profile featuring a man with a young girl. The accused introduced himself as a doctor, claiming his wife and parents had passed away, and he was raising his five-year-old daughter alone.
After gaining the victim’s trust, the accused informed her that his daughter had been hospitalized after consuming contaminated birthday cake, and several children had fallen ill.
He claimed he was unable to access his bank accounts while stationed in Yemen and urgently needed money for her treatment.
The Consequences
The woman initially transferred ₹30,000 on humanitarian grounds, and the accused continued to send messages stating that the child’s condition had worsened, and hospital expenses were rising.
Over time, the victim transferred a total of ₹50.8 lakh in instalments, with the accused assuring her that he would travel to India and return the money.
However, when the accused claimed he had contracted typhoid and required additional funds for his own treatment, the victim’s son suspected fraud and advised her to stop further payments.
Investigation
The accused’s phone was subsequently switched off, prompting the woman to file a complaint with the police.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused used multiple bank accounts to receive the funds, indicating the involvement of a larger organized cyber fraud network.
Police are analyzing the bank transaction trail, mobile numbers, and digital evidence to identify the operatives and trace the money flow.
Warning from Cybercrime Experts
Cybercrime experts warn that emotional manipulation through fabricated personal stories and medical emergencies has become a common tactic, particularly targeting senior citizens who are more likely to offer financial help on humanitarian grounds.
Law enforcement officials have urged the public not to transfer money to individuals met on social media without proper verification, especially in cases involving medical emergencies.
Citizens are advised to verify identities independently and avoid sharing financial details with unknown persons.
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