Woman Duped of Over ₹1 Crore in 7-Day Cyber Fraud Ordeal

By A Staff Reporter

Faridabad: In a chilling case of cyber fraud, Satarupa Chaudhuri, a resident of Faridabad, lost ₹1.03 crore over a harrowing seven-day period to conmen posing as officials from the Hyderabad Police and Enforcement Directorate (ED). The fraudsters exploited her health vulnerabilities, monitored her continuously, and issued grave threats to coerce compliance.

Speaking to ANM News, she described the ordeal in detail, emphasizing the sophistication of the fraudsters and the psychological manipulation she endured.

The ordeal began on September 29 when Chaudhuri received a call from an individual claiming to be a police officer investigating her alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Despite her denial, the caller demanded a video statement of innocence. What began as a routine interaction escalated into a nightmare when she was accused of involvement in a more serious case of terrorism.

The fraudsters, appearing in police uniforms over WhatsApp video calls, issued fake digital arrest warrants and warned her against seeking legal help. They claimed to have operatives monitoring her home and threatened dire consequences if she disobeyed.

Under duress, Chaudhuri was forced to remain on video call 24/7. She was pressured into visiting her banks alone and transferring funds through RTGS, beginning with ₹15 lakh from her company account. Between October 1 and October 4, she transferred ₹1.03 crore to multiple accounts dictated by the fraudsters, leaving only ₹30,000 in her company account.

The conmen used her compromised eyesight and health issues, including past eye surgeries, to their advantage. They had detailed knowledge about her personal life, including her acquaintances and medical history, which added credibility to their threats.

Chaudhuri’s ordeal ended in the early hours of October 7 when she sought help from her neighbors, who helped her contact the Cyber Crime Cell. She lodged a formal complaint the same day. By October 25, authorities recovered ₹20 lakh.

This case underscores the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the importance of public awareness. Authorities continue to investigate the matter to recover the remaining funds.