In yet another case of cyber fraud, a 68-year-old woman from Navi Mumbai allegedly lost Rs 10 lakh to two cyber fraudsters who posed as officials from the telecom department and Mumbai cyber cell investigating her for money laundering, police said recently, reported a news agency. The news reports stated that the complainant, a retired bank employee, received phone calls from two unknown mobile numbers on July 15 and 16, during which the callers claimed there were allegations of money laundering and smuggling against her, an official said.

Then, operating as usual via fear and urgency, they told the victim to withdraw money from her account and place it in various fixed deposits. The complainant fell into the trap and transferred Rs 10 lakh to a bank account mentioned by the callers. She then realised she had been conned. 

While we see cybercrime increasing, seniors seem to be a prime target for criminals. That is why it is important that the family talks to seniors when possible. Youngsters, especially, can advise their elders to be extremely cautious while answering such calls and talk to them about the red flags. In case there are no youngsters in the family, even non-profits working in the seniors’ space can help educate this vulnerable demographic about possible fraud.