Mumbai Cyber Police Launch Campaign to Shield Elderly from Rising Digital Frauds

Mumbai Cyber Police officers visiting senior citizens during a digital fraud awareness campaign.

Mumbai:

In response to a sharp rise in online financial crimes targeting senior citizens — including fake digital arrests and fraudulent investment scams — the Mumbai Cyber Police have launched an extensive citywide awareness campaign to safeguard elderly residents from digital frauds.

Elderly Targeted in High-Value Cyber Scams

The campaign comes shortly after a shocking case where a 72-year-old businessman and his wife were conned of ₹58 crore by cybercriminals who staged a fake digital arrest operation. The couple were made to believe that their bank accounts were under scrutiny for money laundering and were coerced into transferring their entire savings.

Police investigations revealed that the fraudsters created elaborate setups — including mock CBI and ED offices, fake police stations, courtrooms with actors dressed as judges and lawyers, and forged official summons — to convince the victims of the scam’s legitimacy.

A Growing Threat to Mumbai’s Senior Citizens

According to official data from Mumbai Cyber Police, 121 senior citizens have fallen victim to various forms of cyber frauds in 2025, collectively losing over ₹101 crore.

Authorities have arrested 83 suspects, and ₹9.61 crore has been successfully frozen during ongoing investigations.

Senior citizens remain the most vulnerable demographic, often deceived by callers posing as law enforcement officers, CBI or ED agents, or representatives of financial institutions. Many are trapped through fake investment websites, digital arrest scams, or fraudulent trading offers.

Citywide Awareness Drive Launched

As part of a proactive effort to counter these crimes, cyber police teams across Mumbai are now conducting door-to-door visits and housing society workshops to spread awareness among elderly residents.

Officers are educating citizens on how to identify scam patterns, verify official calls or messages, and use official helplines like 1930 to report suspicious activity.

“Our officers are personally visiting senior citizens and guiding them on digital safety — this direct approach will go a long way in deterring cybercriminals,” said a senior cyber official.

Essential Safety Tips for Citizens

Mumbai Police have urged the public to remain cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming involvement in legal or financial issues. They advise citizens to:

• Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unknown files.

• Verify credentials of anyone claiming to be a government or banking representative.

• Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone.

• Immediately report suspicious activity to the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Quick Action: What to Do If You Suspect SIM Fraud

If you receive alerts about your SIM being reissued or deactivated without your consent, contact your telecom provider immediately to block fraudulent activation.

Telecom Helpline Numbers:

• Jio: 1800-889-9999

• Airtel: 121 / 198

• Vi: 199 / 198

• BSNL: 1800-180-1503

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Conclusion

With cybercriminals using increasingly sophisticated methods, Mumbai Police’s awareness campaign represents a timely and crucial step toward protecting senior citizens from digital fraud. By empowering residents with knowledge and preventive measures, the initiative aims to build a more digitally secure and informed Mumbai.