Online Transaction Scam in Mumbai: Elderly Couple Loses ₹7 Lakh While Attempting to Recover ₹3,325

An elderly couple from Chinchpokli, Mumbai, became victims of a fraud, losing INR 7 lakh while attempting to recover INR 3,325 that was mistakenly transferred to the wrong account due to an incorrect IFSC code. The incident occurred on January 23 when the 74-year-old wife tried to make a payment to their cable operator using the BHIM app. Upon realizing the error, the couple searched online for the bank’s customer service number and dialed the one they found.

A person who answered the call, claiming to be the branch manager, guided the woman to update her BHIM app and provided several instructions, including sharing her account ID and updating her ATM card. Over the next few days, the couple received notifications of multiple unauthorized transactions from their joint account, amounting to INR 6.75 lakh.

Realizing they had been scammed, the couple contacted the bank to freeze their account and filed a complaint with the Kalachowki police on February 11. The police have opened an investigation against an unknown individual. The couple, both retired bank employees, are devastated by the substantial financial loss.