Andheri: A 37-year-old woman from Mumbai’s Andheri (West) has allegedly been duped of ₹18 lakh in an online “gift parcel” scam after a fraudster posing as a London-based doctor befriended her on social media and promised marriage.
According to the complaint filed with the West Cyber Police, the accused, who introduced himself as Jack Jeny, sent the woman a friend request on Facebook in December 2025. Their conversations gradually moved to WhatsApp, where the man allegedly gained her trust by expressing affection and offering to support her 17-year-old daughter’s education.
Police said the accused claimed he was planning to visit Mumbai and had sent expensive gifts, including a laptop, mobile phone, clothes, gold items and medicines. Soon after, the woman reportedly received calls from individuals posing as Customs officials, who informed her that a parcel had arrived at Mumbai airport and demanded money to clear it.
Fearing legal action and trusting the accused, the woman transferred money in multiple transactions between February 11 and May 30, 2026. Investigators said she made 28 transfers, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh, to various bank accounts. The total loss amounted to ₹18 lakh, including money borrowed through loans.
The fraud came to light when the callers allegedly demanded an additional ₹3 lakh, prompting the woman to become suspicious. She then contacted the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and approached the West Cyber Police, who registered an FIR against the accused, the fake callers and the bank account holders involved.
Police data shows that gift-related online frauds continue to be a concern in Mumbai. The city recorded 26 such cases till August 2026, while 46 cases were registered in 2025 and 64 in 2024.
Cybercrime experts advise citizens to remain cautious of online relationships involving requests for money, customs charges or claims of parcels containing expensive gifts. Authorities stress that genuine customs officials do not seek payments through personal bank accounts or messaging apps.
Reader’s Note: Online relationships involving promises of marriage, expensive gifts or financial support can be used to build trust before scammers demand money. Never pay customs, courier or clearance charges to unknown individuals or accounts, and report suspected cyber fraud immediately by calling 1930.
