Heartbreak in Mumbai as seasoned swindlers, clad in police attire, executed a flawless con on a defenseless elderly woman, making off with gold ornaments totaling Rs 1 lakh. The incident serves as a stark reminder of escalating frauds amid city chaos.
The plot kicked off via a spoofed caller ID mimicking the local station. Accusing the woman of money laundering ties, the scammers built panic. Their on-ground team arrived promptly, exuding false professionalism with walkie-talkies and notepads.
‘Routine check—please cooperate,’ they insisted, as the senior, widowed and isolated, revealed her safe. Sparkling necklaces and earrings changed hands in a blur. Post-theft, the victim realized the deception upon calling the station.
Authorities have mobilized drone surveillance and informant networks in the probe. ‘These are pros; they scout targets via domestic helps,’ an insider disclosed. Compensation funds for victims are under consideration by civic bodies.
In the broader fight, banks now flag suspicious transactions, and apps simulate scam calls for training. The woman’s family vows vigilance, turning personal loss into communal resolve. Mumbai’s resolve hardens: no mercy for those who prey on the elderly.