Navi Mumbai Professor Loses Rs 1.8 Crore To Cyber Fraud Impersonating Tax Officials
Navi Mumbai, 20th February 2025: A 58-year-old medical professor from a reputed college in Navi Mumbai fell victim to cyber fraud last month, losing Rs 1.8 crore to scammers impersonating Income Tax officials. The fraudsters falsely claimed she owed Rs 8 lakh in unpaid taxes and threatened her with arrest, coercing her into transferring the money under the pretence of an “investigation,” with assurances that the amount would be returned afterwards.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the woman received a call around 3 pm on January 14 from an individual posing as an Income Tax department official. The caller alleged that a company registered in her name had defaulted on Rs 8 lakh in taxes. When she denied any knowledge of such a company and suspected identity misuse, the call was escalated to another fraudster posing as a Delhi Police officer.
This supposed officer sent her fabricated documents resembling official CBI paperwork and later conducted a video call, instructing her to submit all financial details for “verification by the RBI.” Trusting the process, she provided information about her investments, including shares and fixed deposits, believing they would be returned after verification.
Over time, she transferred a total of Rs 1,81,72,667 to the scammers’ account. When she was later asked for an additional Rs 22 lakh, she informed them she had no savings left.
The deception only came to light when she discussed the incident with a relative on February 16. Following her complaint, the Navi Mumbai Cyber Police registered a case on Monday. Officials confirmed an ongoing investigation, though no arrests have been made yet.
