Mysore/Mysuru: Online fraudsters posing as National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials cheated a 73-year-old woman of Rs. 37.82 lakh after accusing her of involvement in money laundering linked to the banned terror outfit Popular Front of India (PFI).

The victim, Kamala (name changed), a resident of J.P. Nagar, received a WhatsApp message on July 12, followed by a video call from a man in uniform claiming to be an NIA officer from Mumbai. Convinced by his appearance, Kamala complied when asked to share photographs of her bank account statement and debit card.

The fraudsters alleged that her Aadhaar-linked bank account had received Rs. 2.5 crore from PFI as ‘terrorism fund’ and that a money laundering case and arrest warrant were issued against her.

Exploiting her panic, they instructed her to transfer her savings into accounts they provided, promising the funds would be returned post-investigation.

Trusting them, Kamala transferred Rs. 37.82 lakh in four instalments — on July 15, 19, 24, and 25 — only to realise she had been conned. A case has been registered at the city’s Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police Station.

Man loses Rs. 2.1 lakh

In another case, Manju (name changed) of Brindavan Layout, lost Rs. 2.10 lakh after falling prey to an online investment racket.

While browsing for investment opportunities, he came across a website promising 12–24 percent returns. Persuaded by these claims, he invested Rs. 2.10 lakh in phases, but neither received profits nor was able to withdraw his money. Realising the fraud, he filed a complaint with                                                           the CEN Police in city.