Mumbai: Andheri man loses Rs 39L in cyber fraud

A 32-year-old man from Andheri was duped of more than Rs 39 lakh on the promise of insurance benefits worth Rs 1.58 crore. After diligently complying with the monetary demands of the fraudster for four consecutive months, the man finally realised that he has been cheated. Subsequently, the aggrieved, who works as a supervisor in a private company, lodged a complaint with the cyber cell.

The complainant said that he received a phone call from an unknown woman on May 2. The caller identified herself as the executive of the private life insurance company from which he had purchased a policy. She informed the man that his two premiums were outstanding and the non-payment would render him ineligible for the policy benefits.

Assuring the man of complete assistance, the woman further asked the complainant to WhatsApp his PAN, Aadhaar and bank details. Not allowing the man even a moment to think, she mentally tricked him, saying that his policy money had also been invested in the petroleum sector as well as share market. And, a hefty return of Rs 1.58 crore has been accrued in his name. On this pretext, the fraudster induced the victim to pay a total of Rs 39.03 lakh in different bank accounts from May 9 till August 20, the police said. When the demand for money kept continuing, the man sensed that he has been cheated, after which he approached the cyber cell.

A case against unknown persons has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Information Technology Act. The police are now checking the details of the bank accounts in which the complainant had transferred the money. They are also getting details of the mobile numbers through which the fraudster communicated with the man.