Mumbai’s crime scene witnessed yet another heart-wrenching fraud as conmen disguised as policemen robbed an octogenarian of her cherished gold jewelry valued at Rs 1 lakh. The meticulously planned heist highlights the growing menace of impersonation scams in the metropolis.
It all began with a deceptive phone call to the woman’s residence. The callers, with convincing police jargon, informed her of a drug parcel linked to her name, threatening arrest unless she cooperated. Soon after, two imposters arrived, dressed in khaki and sporting counterfeit IDs.
Under the pretext of checking for ‘stolen goods,’ they convinced the frail woman to empty her locker. Gold bangles, chains, and rings—family heirlooms—were swiftly pocketed. The duo fled in a waiting auto-rickshaw, melting into the evening traffic.
Police responded promptly, filing an FIR under charges of cheating and impersonation. Forensic teams are analyzing fingerprints from the scene, while sketches of the suspects are being circulated. ‘These gangs operate in teams, preying on fear,’ noted the investigating officer.
Experts attribute the rise to economic desperation post-pandemic, with digital trails aiding trackers. Neighborhood watches are forming, and helplines for scam reporting are buzzing. For the victim, the loss is irreplaceable, but community support is pouring in as Mumbai unites against such predators.