Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Fake Election Calls Exploit Mumbai Seniors, Stealing ₹30 Lakh
Scammers are pretending to be Election Commission officials.
They tell people that something is wrong with their voter records.
They then send fake links or phone applications called APK files.
These files can help scammers access banking or card information.
Several older people in Mumbai were targeted.
One victim was asked to pay just ₹5 to fix his records.
Police cases say the victims lost large amounts of money.
The reported losses in several cases total more than ₹30 lakh.
People should be careful with unexpected election-related calls and files.
Cybercriminals allegedly impersonated Election Commission officials during the ongoing electoral-roll revision.
Mumbai Police cases reportedly involve more than ₹30 lakh stolen from residents.
A 66-year-old retired bank employee allegedly lost ₹4.65 lakh, while ₹2.36 lakh was taken from his sister’s account.
A 79-year-old Chembur resident allegedly lost ₹11.28 lakh after installing a malicious APK file.
A 77-year-old retired doctor allegedly lost ₹6.71 lakh after following a fraudulent electoral-record link.
- Who
- Cybercriminals allegedly targeting Mumbai residents, especially senior citizens, by impersonating Election Commission officials.
- What
- Fraudsters allegedly used fake voter-record claims, links and malicious APK files to steal money.
- When
- The reported incidents occurred between July 30 and August 25.
- Where
- Mumbai, including Chembur and Trombay.
- Why
- The scammers allegedly claimed victims had errors, outdated addresses or mismatched names in their electoral records.
- Reported total loss
- More than ₹30 lakh across several Mumbai Police cases.
- Target group
- Mumbai residents, particularly senior citizens.
- Fraud method
- Impersonation of Election Commission officials using calls, links and APK files.
- First reported incident
- July 30, involving a 77-year-old retired BARC doctor.
- Largest itemized loss
- ₹11.28 lakh allegedly withdrawn through a credit card linked to a savings account.
- Small payment request
- One victim was asked to pay ₹5 to correct voter-record details.
- Police involvement
- Cases were reported to Mumbai Police, including Trombay police.