Udupi: Cyber fraudsters posing as officials of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Mumbai Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) allegedly cheated a 45-year-old man of ₹40 lakh by subjecting him to a series of intimidating phone and video calls over nearly two weeks.

According to the complaint filed with the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station, the victim, Raghavendra Rao, was systematically manipulated into believing that he was involved in a serious criminal case linked to money laundering and illegal financial transactions. The fraudsters used fear, authority and constant surveillance-like pressure to extract large sums of money from him and his family.

First contact through a threatening phone call

The ordeal began on January 11 at around 3 pm when Rao received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as an official from TRAI and claimed that Rao’s mobile number had been used for illegal activities, including making threatening calls.

The caller further alleged that a case had already been registered at the Colaba police station in Mumbai in connection with the misuse of Rao’s number. He warned that the mobile connection would be deactivated within two hours unless Rao contacted the police station and obtained a no-objection certificate (NoC) to clear his name.

The tone of the call was reportedly authoritative and intimidating, designed to create panic and prevent Rao from independently verifying the claims.

Fake police officer links victim to large financial fraud

Shortly after the initial call, Rao was connected to another number. This time, the caller claimed to be a police officer from Colaba police station. He alleged that Rao’s mobile number had been used to open a bank account in Colaba, through which illegal transactions amounting to ₹4.90 crore had been routed.

The fraudster further told Rao that the funds were linked to a serious financial crime and that his name had surfaced during the investigation. To intensify the fear, the caller claimed that the case was related to an alleged money laundering operation involving a person named Naresh Goyal.

Rao was also told that a special investigation team had been formed on the orders of the High Court, making the matter extremely sensitive and confidential.

Video call used to heighten fear

The fraud escalated when the call was converted into a video call. During this interaction, a person identifying himself as Vikram Rathod appeared on screen, dressed in a police uniform. He claimed to be the investigating officer in charge of the case.

According to the complaint, the man threatened Rao with immediate arrest if he failed to cooperate with the investigation. He also warned that disclosing details of the case to anyone, including family members, would lead to serious legal consequences.

Police believe that the use of a video call and a police uniform was a deliberate tactic to make the scam appear authentic and to psychologically overpower the victim.

Prolonged harassment and fake ED involvement

Over the next several days, the fraudsters remained in constant contact with Rao. Under the guise of an ongoing investigation, they collected copies of his personal documents and repeatedly questioned him about his finances.

At a later stage, Rao was informed that the case had been handed over to the Enforcement Directorate for a joint probe. Another individual then contacted him, identifying himself as ED Director Rajesh Mishra.

This person sought detailed information about Rao’s bank accounts, fixed deposits and other assets. He claimed that the information was required for verification purposes and assured Rao that the money would be returned once the investigation was completed.

Money transferred under pressure

As part of the so-called verification process, Rao was instructed to transfer money to what the fraudsters described as a “confidential account” of the finance department.

Initially, he was asked to transfer ₹4 lakh from his wife’s bank account. Believing that this was necessary to prove his innocence and fearing arrest, Rao complied.

Subsequently, under continued pressure and repeated threats, ₹21 lakh was transferred from his wife’s account and another ₹15 lakh from Rao’s own bank account on January 23. The money was sent to multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.

Police said the staggered transfers were a common tactic used by cyber criminals to reduce suspicion and quickly move money through multiple accounts.

Realisation and police complaint

After the transfers were completed, the fraudsters reportedly reduced contact. It was only then that Rao began to suspect that he had been cheated. Upon realising that no official agency would demand money for verification in such a manner, he approached the police and filed a complaint.

Based on the complaint, a case has been registered at the CEN police station under Sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.

The case has also been registered under Sections 318(4) and 308(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Police caution public against similar scams

Police officials have cautioned the public against falling prey to such scams, noting that cyber fraudsters are increasingly impersonating officials from central agencies such as TRAI, police departments and the ED.

They reiterated that no government agency conducts investigations or seeks fund verification through phone calls or video calls, and no official will ever ask citizens to transfer money to private or “confidential” accounts.

Conclusion

The case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber frauds and the psychological pressure tactics used to exploit victims. Police have urged citizens to remain calm, verify information independently and immediately report suspicious calls. Investigations are underway to trace the bank accounts and identify the fraudsters involved in the ₹40 lakh scam.