Mumbai: In a troubling case of sextortion, a 66-year-old man from Mumbai’s Cuffe Parade area fell victim to online scammers, losing nearly Rs.29 lakh in an elaborate blackmail scheme. The victim, a medical store owner, was reportedly targeted after befriending a woman online who engaged him in private conversations and soon initiated a WhatsApp video call. During this call, she allegedly appeared nude and encouraged the man to do the same. Unbeknownst to him, the video call was recorded, setting off a series of extortion attempts that cost him heavily.
Following the call, the victim was contacted by the woman, who threatened to release the explicit video unless he paid Rs.50,000. Fearful of reputational damage, he complied. As the demands continued, a man posing as a high-ranking police official called him, stating that the woman had lodged a complaint against him. The caller pressured the victim to pay a “settlement fee,” claiming it was necessary to avoid further legal complications. Over time, the man transferred over Rs.29 lakh across 33 transactions. Only after consulting a lawyer did he realize the extent of the scam and approached the cyber police for help.
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Authorities have registered the case under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the IT Act, and are currently investigating. Mumbai Cyber Police have also highlighted the growing prevalence of such sextortion cases, urging the public to exercise caution online. They advise users never to engage in explicit video calls with strangers and report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent financial and emotional damage.
With the rise of similar scams, cybersecurity experts recommend that individuals remain vigilant about their digital interactions and ensure any unsolicited advances are reported. This case underscores the need for public awareness, as sextortion rackets have become increasingly sophisticated and can have devastating effects on victims.
