Navi Mumbai Firm Loses ₹10.70 Crore To Fake WhatsApp Scam

A Mahape-based company in Navi Mumbai has been duped of ₹10.70 crore by cyber criminals who created a fake WhatsApp profile of the company's owner. The incident occurred on July 14, 2026, when the company's accountant, Bharat Kumar Chobdar, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown mobile number with the profile picture of company owner Mangesh Chauhan.

The fraudster, claiming the matter was urgent, instructed Chobdar to transfer money from the company's bank account to multiple bank accounts. Believing the messages had come from his employer, Chobdar transferred ₹10.70 crore through a series of transactions.

The fraud was exposed the following day when Chobdar discussed the transactions with Chauhan, who denied sending any WhatsApp messages or authorising the transfers. Chobdar then lodged a complaint with the Navi Mumbai Cyber Police, who have registered a case against an unidentified accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

The police are now investigating the matter and have started tracing the WhatsApp number used by the accused. They are also analysing the bank accounts where the funds were transferred and coordinating with banks to track the flow of funds.

The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police have advised companies and employees to verify financial instructions through official channels before processing high-value transactions. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when receiving instructions through digital platforms, especially when it comes to financial transactions.

The company, Star Mangalsutra LLP, is located in TTC MIDC, Mahape, and the police are collecting technical evidence and analysing digital footprints as part of the ongoing probe. The incident is a reminder of the growing threat of cyber crime and the need for individuals and companies to be vigilant when using digital platforms.

The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police are working to identify those involved in the scam and recover the siphoned money. The incident has raised concerns about the security of digital transactions and the need for companies to have robust security measures in place to prevent such scams.

In recent times, there have been several instances of cyber crime in Navi Mumbai, and the police are taking steps to increase awareness about the threats and to prevent such incidents. The incident is a wake-up call for companies and individuals to be more cautious when using digital platforms and to verify instructions before taking any action.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police are working to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education about cyber crime and the importance of taking steps to prevent such scams.

In conclusion, the incident is a reminder of the growing threat of cyber crime and the need for individuals and companies to be vigilant when using digital platforms. The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police are working to prevent such incidents and to bring the perpetrators to justice.