Mumbai: Elderly Woman Duped by Fake Astrologer via Social Media, Case Registered at Byculla

Mumbai has reported yet another serious case of cyber fraud targeting senior citizens through social media platforms. A 72-year-old retired woman from the Ghodapdeo area was allegedly cheated by a person posing as an astrologer, who extracted money from her in the name of puja, havan and planetary remedies. The incident has once again raised concerns over the credibility of social media advertisements and cyber security. Byculla Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

According to the police, the victim retired as a clerk from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in 2012 and has been residing in a MHADA complex at Ghodapdeo for the past 10 years. She is an active user of social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. On November 4, 2025, she came across an astrology and relationship healing reel on Instagram and Facebook, which claimed to offer solutions to personal and family problems.

After contacting the mobile number mentioned in the reel, a man identifying himself as Ravi Bhargav, allegedly from Ujjain, introduced himself as an astrologer. To gain her trust, he initially charged a nominal fee of Rs 199 for horoscope analysis. Subsequently, he sought personal details, including her son’s date of birth, photograph and even a picture of the house entrance.

Gradually, the accused began demanding larger sums in the name of puja, havan and special rituals. On November 6, the woman transferred Rs 7,777, followed by Rs 39,200 on November 7. Later, the accused allegedly created fear by claiming that the puja had been diverted to someone else, prompting the victim to transfer an additional Rs 40,000. All the amounts were transferred to an account linked to the accused’s mobile number.

When the victim demanded photographs and proof of the rituals and sought a refund, the accused reportedly avoided her calls and messages. Realising that she had been cheated, the woman, due to fear and family-related concerns, lodged a complaint only on January 23, 2026.

Based on her complaint, the police have registered a case of cyber fraud against an unknown accused and further investigation is underway. Police have urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious of so-called miraculous claims, astrology, occult practices and advertisements promising solutions to personal or relationship issues on social media, and to verify authenticity before making any financial transactions.