Bank Employee Duped of Rs 3.6 Lakh by Cyber Fraudster Posing as Female Colleague

Bank Employee Duped of Rs 3.6 Lakh: A 23-year-old bank employee from Andheri, Mumbai, was cheated of ₹3.6 lakh by a cyber fraudster who pretended to be his female office colleague. The Oshiwara Police have registered a case of cheating and are investigating the matter. According to the complaint, the incident took place on October 3. The victim was at his home in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri, when he received a WhatsApp video call from a person claiming to be his colleague “Neha”, who supposedly worked at the Delhi branch of the bank.

During the call, the camera on the caller’s side was turned off, so her face could not be seen. When the victim asked why the camera was off, the caller replied that she was outside and could not switch it on. She then told him that her mother was seriously ill and she urgently needed ₹25,000 for medical treatment. Believing the story, the bank employee transferred the money to her.

The next morning, he received a WhatsApp message from the same contact containing a morphed nude image of himself. The fraudster then threatened to post the image on social media unless he sent more money. Out of fear, the victim made several more transfers, paying a total of ₹3.63 lakh.

When his money was exhausted, the threats continued. Finally, the young man told his parents about the incident, and they advised him to go to the Oshiwara Police Station, where he lodged an official complaint. Police have registered a case under sections related to cheating and cybercrime, and an investigation is underway to trace the fraudster.

Cyber Fraud Cases Rising: Bank Employees Should Stay Alert

Such cases of online impersonation and cyber blackmail are increasing rapidly, especially among bank employees and professionals who often communicate digitally. Fraudsters are using WhatsApp, video calls, and social media to trap victims by pretending to be colleagues or friends. Experts have advised bank employees and other professionals to be extra cautious when:

• Receiving calls or messages from unknown or unfamiliar numbers, even if they use a known name or profile picture.
• Being asked for urgent money transfers or personal help through digital modes.
• Getting suspicious links, video calls, or messages that request private details or photographs.

Employees should verify the identity of the person through official communication channels or in person before transferring any money. They should also report any suspicious messages immediately to their bank’s IT or HR department and to cybercrime authorities via the National Cybercrime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in). Creating awareness and quick reporting can help prevent such incidents and protect others from falling into similar traps.