Elderly Man Loses INR 9 Crore to 4 ‘Lovers’ Who Never Existed

An 80-year-old man from Mumbai was cheated of around INR 9 crore over two years by a woman who allegedly used four different identities. The fraud happened through 734 online transactions. The complainant is 80 years old and resides in central Mumbai with his son and daughter-in-law. 

Sharvi: The First Contact

In April 2023, the complainant sent a friendship request to a woman called Sharvi via social media. The two started chatting online and later swapped WhatsApp numbers. Sharvi stated that she had separated from her spouse and was living with her children in Tardeo.

She progressively began demanding money from him, alleging that her children were ill. The complainant sent her money. 

Kavita: The Second Woman

Later, another woman named Kavita contacted the complainant via WhatsApp. She provided him with Sharvi's recommendation and expressed an interest in being friends with him. Kavita would send him sexually graphic texts and demand money. 

Dinaz: The Third Woman

In December 2023, he began receiving SMS from an international number from a woman named Dinaz. The fraud became worse when Dinaz told the man that Sharvi had died. She said she needed money for hospital bills and threatened to kill herself if he did not help. Dinaz revealed screenshots of her and Sharvi's WhatsApp discussion prior to her death. 

Dinaz soon confessed her love for him and indicated a desire to marry. Each of them asked for money using different stories. The man continued to send money over time.

Jasmine: The Final Attack

Later, another woman named Jasmine reached out, claiming to be Dinaz's friend.  She asked him for help and told him that Dinaz was going to refund his money. The complainant also paid Jasmine. 

The man gave a total of INR 8.7 crore by January 2025. He used all his savings and then borrowed money from his son and daughter-in-law. The payments continued until the son grew suspicious and took control.

The man was shocked to learn it was a scam. He was admitted to the hospital and later diagnosed with dementia. A cybercrime case was filed on July 22 and is now being investigated.