A retired 70-year-old banker from Bengaluru fell prey to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing nearly ₹89 lakh after being duped by criminals posing as officials. The victim, R Swamy (name changed), a Nagarabhavi resident, lodged a complaint on January 3, revealing the ordeal that began on November 16.

Swamy received a call from an unidentified number, instructing him to press 9. Complying, he was connected to someone claiming to be a New Delhi police officer. The caller alleged that an FIR had been filed against Swamy and transferred the call to another fraudster pretending to be a cybercrime department representative.

The impostors accused Swamy of money laundering, drug trafficking, and human smuggling, threatening legal action against his family if he disclosed the matter. Claiming to verify his finances, they coerced him into transferring his savings and fixed deposits—amounting to ₹89.54 lakh—into three accounts allegedly linked to the Reserve Bank of India.

The scammers severed contact after the transactions, prompting Swamy to approach the police weeks later. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation to track down the fraudsters.

This incident highlights the increasing need for public awareness about cybercrime tactics and safeguards.