A cyber fraudster, posing as a CBI officer, allegedly duped a 49-year-old scientist of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and threatened to arrest her for human trafficking and made away with ₹8.8 lakh.
Based on the complaint by the woman scientist, the Central Division cybercrime police charged the unknown accused under Information Technology Act and also under Section 318 (cheating, specifically, fraudulently or dishonestly inducing someone to deliver property), on Wednesday.
According to the complaint, the fraudster called the scientist informing her that she had been booked under 17 criminal cases. He told her that her mobile number was used to commit criminal activities, which were being probed by the CBI.
The caller also informed her that the CBI had obtained Supreme Court permission to arrest her and showed some fake documents of arrest warrant. The fraudster also offered to help and persuaded her to transfer the money amounting to ₹8.8 lakh online between September 17 and September 19.
The cheating came to light when the scientist discussed the issue with her family, and they suggested that she approach the police.
The police have requested the public not to entertain unknown calls claimed to have been made by police personnel and demand money for official favour.
Published – September 27, 2025 11:00 pm IST
