A 55-year-old woman from Mumbai has become the victim of a shocking and sophisticated cybercrime, losing a staggering sum of ₹3.75 crore to fraudsters who orchestrated an elaborate scam involving fake virtual court hearings. The criminals brazenly impersonated none other than Supreme Court Justice DY Chandrachud to lend credibility to their con.
The Anatomy of a Sophisticated Online Fraud
The incident, which came to light recently, began when the woman received a phone call from individuals pretending to be officials from the Mumbai Police and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). They falsely accused her of involvement in a serious money laundering and narcotics case. To convince her of the gravity of the situation, the scammers then fabricated a scenario where she was required to participate in a virtual court hearing.
In this deceptive online proceeding, a man posing as Justice DY Chandrachud appeared on a video call. The impersonator, leveraging the immense respect and authority associated with the Supreme Court judge, instructed the victim to transfer her funds to specific accounts for "safekeeping" during the purported investigation. The scammers used a combination of fear, authority, and technological deception to manipulate the victim over a period of time.
How the Multi-Crore Scam Unfolded
Believing the threats and the legitimacy of the fake virtual hearing, the woman complied with the instructions. She proceeded to transfer a total of ₹3 crore and 75 lakh from her bank accounts to various accounts designated by the fraudsters. The scale of the fraud indicates a highly organized racket with detailed knowledge of legal procedures and the use of technology to create convincing forgeries.
It was only after she had parted with her life savings that the victim realized she had been duped. The Mumbai Police have registered a case and a cybercrime investigation is now underway. Authorities are working to trace the digital footprints and the money trail to identify and apprehend the culprits behind this audacious scam.
A Wake-Up Call for Digital Vigilance
This case highlights a dangerous new trend in cybercrime where scammers are using the names and reputations of high-ranking officials to exploit public trust. The use of fake virtual hearings adds a layer of sophistication that can easily confuse even cautious individuals.
Law enforcement agencies urge the public to be extremely wary of unsolicited calls alleging legal trouble. They emphasize that no court or government agency will ever ask for money transfers over the phone or through video calls for case resolution. Citizens are advised to independently verify such claims by contacting the concerned departments or courts through their official channels before taking any action.
The Mumbai Police cyber cell is investigating the case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. This massive financial fraud serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in the digital age and the critical need for continuous public awareness about such sophisticated online scams.
