Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 24: In yet another case highlighting the growing threat of cyber fraud, a 40-year-old woman from Chembur in Mumbai has been cheated of Rs 16.34 lac after cyber criminals allegedly posed as billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and sent her a marriage proposal online.

According to police, the fraud began in September when an unknown person, claiming to be Elon Musk, contacted the woman through the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The accused later persuaded her to download the Signal messaging application, where they continued chatting for several days.

During these conversations, the accused expressed his desire to marry her and promised to take her to the United States. Gradually gaining her trust, he began asking for money on various pretexts, including visa processing, flight tickets, and other formalities.

Police said the woman was made to purchase Amazon gift cards and share their codes, while additional amounts were also transferred under the guise of ticket bookings. In total, the accused managed to extract Rs 16.34 lac from the victim.

The fraud came to light when the demands for money continued despite the large amount already paid, raising the woman’s suspicion. She then informed her family, following which it became clear that she had been cheated.

Based on her complaint, the Eastern Region Cyber Police Station has registered a case against two unidentified persons. Further investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the amount.

Police have once again urged citizens to remain cautious and not fall prey to online scams involving fake profiles, celebrity impersonation, and marriage proposals.