Retired Noida Official Duped of ₹3.14 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Fraud; ₹39 Lakh Recovered

A 77-year-old retired member of a government insurance board in Noida has become the latest victim in a deeply orchestrated cyber fraud, losing a staggering ₹3.14 crore after being falsely accused of money laundering by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officials.

The fraudsters contacted the elderly man and his wife, claiming to be from a central agency investigating financial crimes. Using fear tactics and digital manipulation, they convinced the couple that they were under investigation for alleged money laundering activities and needed to cooperate to avoid arrest. Believing the calls to be authentic, the couple followed the criminals' instructions, unknowingly transferring large sums over a while.

Authorities said the Cyber Crime Branch has launched a full-scale investigation. So far, ₹39 lakh has been successfully traced and frozen, while multiple teams have been dispatched to track down the perpetrators.

“This case is a grim reminder of how cybercriminals exploit fear and trust, particularly among senior citizens,” said a senior officer involved in the case. “The victim and his wife genuinely believed they were cooperating with legal authorities.”

The investigation is ongoing, and officials urge the public to remain vigilant against such scams and verify the identity of any individual claiming to be from a law enforcement or financial institution.