Retired teacher loses ₹2.81 crore to fake CBI officials; one arrested
Chennai, April 2025: A 66-year-old retired teacher and German language instructor was cheated of ₹2.81 crore by fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers, police said on Wednesday. The Sivaganga District Crime Branch has arrested one suspect, while investigations continue to trace the others involved.
The victim, identified as Rama, a resident of R.A. Puram in Chennai, had accumulated savings from her salary and the sale of her properties. According to the police complaint, in April, she received calls from individuals claiming to be CBI officials. They threatened her, alleging that fraudulent transactions had been made through her bank account.
Under the pretext of verifying her accounts, the callers instructed her to share bank details and cooperate with a ‘digital investigation’. Believing the calls to be genuine, Rama followed their instructions, which resulted in the unauthorised transfer of ₹2.81 crore from her accounts to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
After realising the fraud, Rama lodged a complaint. The Sivaganga District Crime Branch police registered a case and began an inquiry. The investigation led to the identification of three individuals: Tamilarasan from Madurai, Harishankar from Mettur in Salem, and Ayyanarajan from Dayapuram in Manamadurai.
Police apprehended Ayyanarajan, while efforts are underway to arrest the other two accused. Further interrogation is expected to reveal the full extent of the network and any other victims.
This incident highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud in India, where criminals impersonate law enforcement and government agencies to exploit citizens, particularly senior citizens. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, cyber frauds involving fake CBI, Income Tax, and police officers have risen sharply in recent years, with fraudsters using fear and urgency to coerce victims into revealing sensitive information.
Experts advise that no government agency or police organisation ever demands bank details or transfers over the phone or video call. Citizens are urged to verify such claims by contacting the nearest police station or the official helpline of the concerned department. The Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) and the national helpline number 1930 provide assistance to victims of online financial fraud.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of immediate reporting. In many cases, swift action can help freeze fraudulent transactions or recover money. The police have also reminded the public that CBI and other agencies never conduct searches or investigations through phone calls or videoconferencing.
The case has been transferred to the Sivaganga cyber cell for deeper technical analysis. Police are examining call detail records, bank transaction trails, and digital evidence to identify the complete chain of offenders.
Rama, who has lived alone after retirement, expressed shock at the incident. Neighbours said she was a respected educator who had devoted her life to teaching languages. The incident has shaken the local community, prompting residents to share cautionary messages on social media.
This case serves as a reminder for the public, especially senior citizens, to stay alert against unsolicited calls or messages demanding money or personal details. Financial institutions also urge customers to never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone, regardless of the caller’s claimed authority.
The investigation is ongoing.
