72-year-old Ghatkopar resident duped of 19.74 lakh in MGL scam

Mumbai: A 72-year-old retired Ghatkopar resident lost over Rs. 19.74 lakh in a cyber fraud that wiped out their life savings overnight. The victims, two brothers and their wives, all aged between 68 and 72, are retired and dependent on their bank savings for daily expenses.The victim received a WhatsApp message "Dear Pipe Line MGL Gas user your connection will be disconnected tonight 10:00pm Because your previous month bill is not updated please immediately call our bill update officer Mr. Shrikant Mishra Call 9341405175".When he called the number, the fraudster claimed just Rs 12 was overdue. He was also told that on the successful payment of the amount, the gas connection would be restored. The victim followed the fraudster's instructions and clicked on the payment link he was sent. This compromised his bank accounts and at 3:15 am, the victims received SMSes detailing transactions totaling Rs. 6.93 lakh Rs. 10.29 lakh, Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 1.01 lakh debited from the victims accounts The Eastern Cyber police have registered a complaint against the unidentified accused under Section 66D of the IT Act, 2000 and various sections of the BNS for impersonation, cheating and criminal conspiracy.