The biggest digital fraud! Elderly couple trapped in fear for 17 days, loss of Rs 15 crore

15 Crore Digital Fraud Case: Imagine waking up in the morning and getting a call on your phone. The caller introduces himself as an officer and says that there are cases registered against you for breaking serious laws. Caught in fear and intimidation, you are under surveillance at every step – phone, bank and home, everything. You keep transferring money, thinking that this is the path to security. And then 17 days later, you go to the police station and find out that it was all a big fraud. Your entire savings, Rs 15 crore, were swindled.

Dr. Om and Dr. Indira Taneja, who lived in America for 48 years and served in the United Nations, and returned to India in 2015, now became victims of this terrible cyber fraud.

initiation of fraud

According to the complaint, on December 24, 2025, the couple received a call. The caller introduced himself as a police officer and falsely alleged that the couple had cases registered in their names related to money laundering and national security. He threatened that if the instructions were not followed immediately, arrests could result. In this way, the criminals gained control over every step by putting the couple under mental pressure.

17 days digital arrest

From 24 December to the morning of 10 January, the criminals monitored the couple continuously through video calls. This strategy, which police call “digital arrest,” prevents the victim from contacting anyone, going out, or telling anyone the truth.

Dr. Indira Taneja was forced to transfer huge amounts of money to eight different bank accounts. The amount of each transfer was between Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.10 crore, reaching a total of Rs 14.85 crore. Before every bank visit the criminals gave them scripts of what to say to the bank staff.

How the fraud was exposed

On January 10, the criminals directed the couple to go to the police station, saying they would get a refund from the RBI. Dr. Taneja reached the police station and the criminals spoke directly to the police officer through video call. Only then did they realize that all the promises were false and they had been defrauded of their money.

Why couldn’t he escape?

In this case several factors contributed to the couple’s survival:

Emotional and mental pressure – Due to fear and threat, they continued following the instructions of the criminals.

Continuous monitoring – Every step was monitored through video calls.

Misleading legal arguments – False allegations of serious legal and national security.

Belief and experience – The couple, who had observed the laws and government procedures in America for a long time, considered this a real government action.

How to avoid cyber fraud

Do not trust suspicious calls – Do not share personal or bank information with any caller.

Contact through official channels only – Contact banks or government officials directly.

Involve family or friends – Tell a trusted person to help you in case of suspicious situation.

Look for signs of digital surveillance – Consider continuous video calls or screen sharing as a warning sign of danger.

Delhi Police registered the case and transferred it to IFSO (Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations), the cyber unit of the special cell. Police said a thorough investigation is underway to identify and arrest the culprits.

The case of Dr Om and Dr Indira Taneja is a reminder that cyber crimes are no longer limited to youth or businessmen only. Elderly and experienced people can also become its victims. Vigilance, knowledge and reliable guidance are the keys to safety.