74-Year-Old Woman Loses Rs 50.8 Lakh
A 74-year-old woman from Mumbai has allegedly been cheated of Rs 50.8 lakh by a man posing as a New Zealand-based doctor on an international humanitarian mission. An FIR has been registered at the south cyber police station following her complaint.
Social Media Connection Turns Suspicious
Facebook Request Leads to WhatsApp Chats
According to a report by The Times of India, the fraud began when the woman, a resident of Cuffe Parade, received a friend request on Facebook from a profile featuring a young girl’s photograph. Although she generally avoids strangers, she accepted the request after noticing nothing unusual. Shortly after, she received a WhatsApp message from the same individual.
Accused Claims to Be Doctor on UN Assignment
Story of Personal Tragedy and Yemen Posting
The man introduced himself as a New Zealand national and claimed to be a doctor. He said he had lost his wife and parents and was raising his five-year-old daughter, Maya. He further claimed that he had been deployed by the United Nations to war-torn Yemen on a three-month contract as a gynaecologist performing emergency caesarean sections.
Emotional Appeal for Daughter’s Treatment
Food Poisoning Story Used to Seek Funds
During their conversations, the accused allegedly claimed that his daughter had been hospitalised after consuming contaminated birthday cake, resulting in food poisoning. He stated that he urgently needed money for her treatment and was unable to access his own bank accounts while stationed in Yemen. The woman initially transferred Rs 30,000.
Repeated Transfers to Multiple Accounts
27 Transactions Over Time
The accused reportedly shared multiple bank account details and continued requesting funds under various pretexts. The complainant, concerned about the child’s health and maintaining contact through WhatsApp calls and chats, transferred money repeatedly. Over time, she transferred a total of Rs 50.8 lakh through 27 separate transactions.
Promise to Repay Money
Assurance of Visiting India Soon
As per the FIR, the man assured her that he would soon travel to India and repay the entire amount. Trusting his assurances and emotional narrative, she continued to provide financial assistance whenever requested.
Final Demand Raises Suspicion
Son Flags Possible Fraud
On February 9, the accused allegedly claimed he was suffering from typhoid and required more funds for treatment. When the woman discussed the matter with her son, he suspected it was a scam and informed her that she had likely been duped. Subsequent attempts to contact the accused failed, as his phone was switched off.
FIR Registered at Cyber Police Station
Investigation Underway
Realising she had been defrauded, the woman approached the police, leading to the registration of an FIR at the south cyber police station in Mumbai. Authorities are now investigating the case, tracing the bank accounts used in the transactions and attempting to identify the accused.
