Mumbai: In a sophisticated cyber scam, an 81-year-old retired Northern Railway junior engineer from Mumbai Central was duped of nearly ₹26 lakh after a fraudster impersonated a bank official. The incident, reported on November 12, 2025, highlights the increasing prevalence of online scams targeting senior citizens who rely on pensions.
Officials said the elderly victim received a phone call from a man claiming to be from his bank. Within minutes, the caller shifted the interaction to a video call, a tactic increasingly used by cybercriminals to build credibility. During the call, the scammer falsely claimed that the engineer’s life certificate had been cancelled, causing panic since this document is essential for pension processing.
Under the guise of verification, the fraudster attempted to obtain the victim’s debit card details and PIN. Suspecting something was wrong, the senior citizen refused to comply and switched off his phone. However, when he turned it back on an hour later, a series of bank alerts revealed eight unauthorized online transactions, siphoning close to ₹26 lakh into multiple accounts. The victim immediately contacted the cyber helpline and lodged a complaint.
Cybercrime experts warn that such scams—combining phone calls, video calls, and urgent claims—are becoming increasingly common, particularly against elderly individuals. Authorities advise verifying unexpected banking calls through official channels, never sharing OTPs or PINs, and reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Experts also note that fraudsters often exploit trust and fear, especially around pension or government-related formalities. Families are encouraged to educate senior citizens about safe banking practices and monitor unusual transactions.
This case underscores the urgent need for cyber awareness among senior citizens and vigilance when handling sensitive financial information. Mumbai police are actively investigating the matter, emphasizing caution for anyone receiving unexpected calls related to banking or pensions.
