Mumbai Man Loses ₹9 Lakh In Google Meet Scam

A 31-year-old shipping manager from Mulund, Mumbai, was allegedly duped of ₹9.06 lakh by cybercriminals posing as UAE federal authority officials. The incident occurred on August 18, 2026, when the victim, Nirav Mitesh Thakkar, received an audio call on Google Meet from an email ID bearing the name of a UAE federal authority.

The caller, a woman, informed Thakkar that Dubai's rules had changed and he needed to update his Know Your Customer (KYC) details. She warned him that failure to do so would prevent him from travelling to Dubai. The caller provided a Dubai-based phone number and asked Thakkar to contact it on WhatsApp.

Thakkar complied with the request and received a link for 'Smart Services ICP online OTP verification'. After opening the link, he submitted sensitive information, including his passport, bank account, debit and credit card, phone, and insurance details.

The accused then told Thakkar that a payment was required to complete the KYC process and obtained his account balance and Dubai-issued debit card details. They allegedly withdrew AED 34,845.38 (₹9.06 lakh) from his account.

Thakkar realised he had been duped when the accused demanded more money. He immediately contacted Emirates NBD Bank, reported the fraud, and blocked his cards. He also complained through the Dubai police app before approaching the Mulund police station to file a First Information Report (FIR).

This incident highlights the growing concern of cyber fraud in Mumbai, particularly with the increasing use of online platforms for financial transactions. The Mumbai police have been cracking down on cybercrime, and residents are advised to be cautious when sharing sensitive information online.

The use of Google Meet for the scam is a new tactic employed by cybercriminals, and residents are warned to be vigilant when receiving calls or messages from unknown sources. The Mumbai police are investigating the matter and have advised residents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

In recent times, there have been several cases of cyber fraud reported in Mumbai, with many residents losing large sums of money to scams. The police have been working to raise awareness about the dangers of cybercrime and have been conducting raids to arrest those involved in such activities.

The incident serves as a reminder for residents to be cautious when sharing personal and financial information online and to verify the authenticity of any requests for sensitive information.

In conclusion, the incident of the 31-year-old Mulund man being duped of ₹9 lakh in a Google Meet scam is a serious concern for the residents of Mumbai. It highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance when using online platforms for financial transactions. The Mumbai police are working to combat cybercrime, and residents are advised to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.