Mumbai Cyber Fraud: Elderly Powai Businessman Duped Of ₹52 Lakh In Online Honeytrap Scam

Mumbai: A 65-year-old businessman from Powai fell victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, losing Rs 52 lakh to a woman he befriended on Facebook. The case, now under investigation by the West Region Cyber Police, was revealed to be a meticulously executed honeytrap, wherein cybercriminals used the promise of romance and investment returns to dupe the elderly man.

What Exactly Led To Cyber Fraud?

The incident began in June when the complainant received a friend request from a woman named Suprita Sharma. Her Facebook profile claimed she held a senior position at IBM in Hong Kong. After he accepted the request, Suprita initiated a friendly conversation via Messenger, gradually gaining his trust. She later transitioned to phone calls, sweet-talking her way into his confidence.

Victim Was Lured To Invest On Fake Trading Platform

Claiming she was soon to join IBM’s crypto trading wing in Japan, Suprita later told the businessman she had moved there. She then began encouraging him to invest in Bitcoin through a trading platform, promising lucrative returns. Though initially hesitant, the complainant was eventually swayed by her consistent affection and persuasive tone.

She shared a link to a crypto trading website where he created an account. Between June and July 17, he transferred Rs 52 lakh into the platform. The website dashboard showed his earnings had grown to over Rs 1.03 crore, seemingly validating her promises. Encouraged by the apparent profits, Suprita pushed him to invest more.

However, when he expressed financial limitations and requested to withdraw his supposed earnings, he was told to first pay 30 per cent of the profit amount as tax. This demand raised red flags. After confiding in family members, the businessman realised he had been duped.

Case Filed With Cyber Police

He immediately contacted the national cybercrime helpline (1930) and later filed a complaint at the West Region Cyber Police Station. Acting on his complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the IT Act, 66C and 66D, and Indian Penal Code provisions including BNS sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2).