In a disturbing case of fraud, a 69-year-old retired man from Nalasopara was conned out of a staggering ₹34 lakh after falling victim to a honey trap scheme. The scam, involving extortion through explicit videos, has raised alarms about the rising threats of cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals. The local police have registered a case, and three suspects, including a young woman, are under investigation.
The incident dates back to April 28, when the senior citizen, who resides in the Achole area of Nalasopara, received a message from a young woman named Priyanka Sharma through a social networking app called “Kutumb.” She initially introduced herself in a friendly, approachable manner, sparking what seemed to be harmless conversations. But the woman’s motives were far from innocent. With carefully crafted words, Priyanka pulled the retired man into a web of emotional manipulation, setting the stage for what would soon become a case of blackmail and extortion.
According to the victim’s statement, Priyanka began by building a rapport, making the elderly man feel comfortable and slowly gaining his trust. She then escalated their conversations, eventually sending an explicit video of herself and convincing him to reciprocate by sending one of his own. Believing their interactions were private, the man complied, unaware that he had fallen into a trap.
Shortly after he sent the video, Priyanka’s tone shifted. She allegedly threatened to release the video online if he did not comply with her financial demands. Frightened by the prospect of public humiliation and the potential impact on his family, the man initially tried to distance himself by deleting Priyanka’s number and blocking her from contacting him.
However, the matter did not end there. Within days, he received a call from a man named Ramkumar Malhotra, who claimed to be a high-ranking official with the Delhi Crime Branch. Ramkumar informed him that his video was now a matter of police interest and that the only way to avoid legal trouble was to “settle” the case by paying a hefty amount. Exploiting his fear and anxiety, Ramkumar demanded large sums of money, which the man transferred online and through RTGS transactions over the following months.
Between April and September, the retiree was forced to transfer a total of ₹34 lakh to different accounts as the scammers continued to manipulate him. Each time he paid, he hoped it would be the last, but the demands kept increasing. Feeling cornered and helpless, he continued to comply, fearing the scandal that might follow if he refused to pay.
As the demands continued to escalate, the senior citizen realized he had no choice but to seek help. On September 27, he approached the Achole police station in Nalasopara and filed an official complaint. He shared his story with the authorities, recounting the months of blackmail and extortion he endured at the hands of these scammers.
The case has now been taken up by the Achole Police, who registered a formal complaint against Priyanka Sharma, Ramkumar Malhotra, and a third individual named Rahul Sharma. They are investigating under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, including IPC sections 318 (4) and 3 (5), and IT Act sections 66 (C) (D) and 67, which deal with cyber fraud, impersonation, and circulation of obscene material.
Senior Police Inspector Balasaheb Pawar of the Achole police station confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating, “We have registered cases against three individuals in connection with this incident. Investigations are underway, and we are working to trace the suspects and recover the defrauded amount.”
Cybercrime experts have expressed concern over the increase in these types of scams targeting elderly individuals. Due to the isolating nature of online fraud, victims are often left feeling ashamed or embarrassed, making them hesitant to report the crime. In this case, the victim’s prolonged silence emboldened the scammers to increase their demands, resulting in a significant financial loss.
A significant factor in this scam was the impersonation of law enforcement officers to intimidate the victim. By posing as officials from the Delhi Crime Branch, the scammers exploited the man’s fear of legal repercussions, persuading him to keep quiet and comply. Experts warn that this approach is becoming increasingly common, as criminals realize that fear of public exposure or legal trouble can be powerful tools to manipulate their victims.
Local authorities have issued a warning to the public, especially senior citizens, to be cautious when engaging in online interactions and to avoid sharing personal information or media with strangers. They urge people to report suspicious activities to the authorities rather than falling victim to intimidation tactics used by scammers.
This incident highlights the critical importance of digital literacy, especially among older adults. While technology offers countless benefits, it also brings risks, particularly to those less familiar with the dangers of cybercrime. Awareness campaigns and support systems for senior citizens can help prevent such incidents by teaching them how to navigate the online world safely, identify potential threats, and understand their rights if they become targets of fraud.
Meanwhile, police investigations continue in the case, and authorities are hopeful that with sufficient evidence, they will be able to apprehend the culprits and recover the lost funds. The Achole police are collaborating with cybercrime specialists to track down the individuals involved and assess if they are linked to any other similar scams.
For now, the retired man’s experience serves as a stark reminder to everyone about the lurking dangers of online interactions with strangers. As people increasingly rely on digital communication, cases like this underscore the need for caution and vigilance. Online platforms offer connection and convenience, but they can also be breeding grounds for new forms of deception, making it essential for everyone, particularly vulnerable communities, to stay informed and protected.
This incident has sparked discussions in Nalasopara and beyond about the growing prevalence of cybercrime and the importance of a proactive approach to digital security. Hopefully, increased awareness and ongoing efforts by law enforcement can prevent others from falling prey to such malicious traps in the future.
