How A Bengaluru Techie Was Scammed Out of Rs 32 Crore by Fake CBI Officers

Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley, recently found itself the stage for an incredible tale of deceit and exploitation that resulted in a woman losing a fortune—Rs 32 crore to be exact. What began as an ordinary day in September 2024 turned into a prolonged nightmare for a 57-year-old senior software engineer from Indiranagar, due to a meticulously crafted ‘digital arrest’ scam. Here’s how the troubling saga unfolded:

The Beginning of a Nightmare

The ordeal commenced with an unexpected call on September 15, 2024. Claiming to be from DHL Andheri, the caller informed the woman of a parcel in her name containing illegal substances. Confusion soon turned to fear as the call switched to individuals impersonating CBI officers. Alleging the woman’s identity misuse, they threatened her with arrest.

Psychological Manipulation and Surveillance

Heightening the woman’s fear, the impersonators warned her of a constant criminal gaze cast upon her home. This psychological manipulation pushed her to comply with installing multiple Skype accounts for ‘video surveillance’ and abiding by fabricated directives. They cleverly used technology to fabricate threats, creating an atmosphere where the woman felt isolated and powerless.

The Financial Drain Begins

The fraudulent operatives did not stop at fear-mongering. They demanded a ‘verification of assets’ with the supposed Financial Intelligence Unit of RBI. Over six months, she was manipulated into making 187 bank transfers, including a Rs two crore surety and various ‘tax’ payments. The woman’s belief in clearance of her forged charges led her even further down this treacherous path.

A Fake Cleared Conscience and Continued Exploitation

Hopes dashed in December 2024, when she received a counterfeit clearance letter. Despite health issues requiring a month’s treatment, she continued to face mounting demands for processing fees. Her plight only ended abruptly in March 2025, as communication with the scammers ceased, but not before they demanded yet more money.

Reporting the Unthinkable

In the aftermath of her son’s June 2025 wedding, the victim—financially devastated and emotionally exhausted—lodged a complaint with Bengaluru police. A case swiftly registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 could finally offer some chance of justice.

This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even a tech-savvy individual may face in the digital age. According to ABP Live English, the need for cyber awareness is more urgent than ever as figures of cybercrime continue to rise.

In closing, this incident is more than a personal tragedy; it is a clarion call to be vigilant about the multifarious faces of fraud that relentlessly seek victims in a digital world.