Scammers forge Nirmala Sitharaman's signature, dupe Pune woman of Rs 99 lakh: Report
New Delhi: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, scammers forged the signature of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on a fake arrest warrant to swindle a 62-year-old retired LIC officer from Pune of nearly Rs 99 lakh, according to a report by India Today.
The fraud began in the last week of October when the victim, a resident of Kothrud, received a call from a man claiming to represent a “Data Protection Agency.” He alleged that her Aadhaar-linked mobile number had been misused for fraudulent financial transactions.
The call was soon transferred to another person, who introduced himself as a senior police officer named George Mathew. During a video conversation, the impersonator accused her of money laundering and warned that her bank accounts would be frozen. To make the threat appear legitimate, the scammers sent her a forged arrest warrant bearing Sitharaman’s fake signature and what appeared to be an official government seal, according to the Pune City Cyber Police.
The fraudsters reportedly told the woman that, given her age, she would be placed under “digital arrest” and instructed her to transfer all her savings to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accounts for “verification.” Believing the claim, she transferred Rs 99 lakh to multiple accounts that investigators later found were controlled by a cybercrime network operating from Thane.
To maintain credibility, the scammers even shared additional fabricated documents, including a fake Enforcement Directorate (ED) receipt. When the woman later tried to contact them, their phone numbers had been switched off. Realising she had been duped, she lodged a complaint with the Pune City Cyber Police.
Investigations are underway to trace the bank accounts and phone numbers used in the fraud. Officials said cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting public trust by misusing the names of legitimate government bodies like the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
A Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) described the case as alarming, noting that the use of forged documents bearing signatures of senior ministers and top officials reflects a dangerous new trend. “These scams exploit public trust in official institutions. Citizens should verify any such communication directly with authorities before taking financial action,” India Today quoted the official as saying.
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PM Modi embarks on three-nation visit beginning with Jordan
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday embarked on a visit to Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman -- countries which enjoy civilizational ties and exceptional bilateral relations with India.
"First, I will be visiting Jordan, on the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. This historic visit will mark 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries," the prime minister said in his departure statement.
Modi will hold detailed discussions with Jordanian King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and will also meet Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah.
In his first visit to Ethiopia, the prime minister will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
The prime minister will also hold discussions with Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and meet the Indian diaspora.
"On the final leg of my journey, I will visit the Sultanate of Oman. My visit will mark 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Oman," Modi said.
In Muscat, the prime minister will hold discussions with the Sultan of Oman on strengthening the Strategic Partnership as well as a strong commercial and economic relationship.
"I will also address a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Oman, which has contributed immensely to the country's development and in enhancing our partnership," Modi said.
