Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a reported incident in which a 73-year-old singer was allegedly defrauded of Rs 45,000 through a sophisticated online deception, according to reports published by The Times of India on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The victim, identified as Ravi Mehra, resides in the Andheri (West) area of Mumbai.
The alleged fraud involved a method described by authorities as a "three-way call merge scam" or "three-way call merge fraud," as reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Mehra reportedly fell victim to the scheme after receiving a call from individuals who claimed to represent Zepto Customer Care. The callers initiated contact under the pretext of addressing an issue concerning a missing parcel.
The financial loss incurred by the veteran singer amounts to Rs 45,000. This sum was reportedly withdrawn from his bank account following a series of interactions with the alleged fraudsters. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by digital scams targeting individuals, including senior citizens, within the metropolitan area of Mumbai.
Details of the Incident and Modus Operandi
According to the reports from The Times of India, the sequence of events began with an unsolicited telephone call to Ravi Mehra. The callers, falsely identifying themselves as part of Zepto Customer Care, informed Mehra about a parcel that was supposedly missing. This initial contact served as the entry point for the subsequent deceptive activities.
Following the discussion about the missing parcel, Mehra was reportedly instructed to transfer a small amount of money. The precise reason or purpose for this initial transfer was not detailed in the available reports, but it typically serves as a means for fraudsters to gain access to banking information or to test the victim's susceptibility to their demands. After this initial transaction, a significant and unauthorized withdrawal of funds was reportedly made from Mehra's bank account.
The deception did not conclude with the large withdrawal. According to timesofindia.indiatimes.com, Mehra subsequently received another call from the alleged fraudsters. During this second communication, the individuals reportedly requested his bank details. The stated purpose for this request was to facilitate a refund, ostensibly to compensate him for the unauthorized withdrawal that had just occurred. This tactic is often employed in such scams to further exploit victims by obtaining additional sensitive financial information under the guise of rectifying an earlier fraudulent act.
The entire operation has been characterized by law enforcement as a "three-way call merge scam" or "three-way call merge fraud." While the specific technical details of how a "three-way call merge" facilitates such a scam were not elaborated upon in the source material, the term typically suggests a sophisticated method where multiple parties are connected on a call, often with one party impersonating a legitimate entity to deceive the victim into revealing sensitive information or authorizing transactions.
Victim Profile and Location
The victim of this alleged fraud is Ravi Mehra, a 73-year-old singer. His age places him within a demographic often targeted by various forms of financial scams due to perceived vulnerability or less familiarity with rapidly evolving digital fraud techniques. Mehra resides in Andheri (West), a prominent residential and commercial suburb located in the western part of Mumbai. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Mumbai Police, leading to their involvement in the matter.
The total financial detriment reported by Mehra stands at Rs 45,000. This amount represents a direct monetary loss suffered by the singer as a result of the deceptive practices employed by the alleged fraudsters. The prompt registration of an FIR by the Mumbai Police indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the complaint.
Official Response and Next Steps
In response to Mehra's complaint, the Mumbai Police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR). The registration of an FIR marks the formal initiation of a police investigation into the alleged fraud. This procedural step is crucial for law enforcement agencies to gather evidence, identify suspects, and pursue legal action against those responsible for the crime.
The investigation by the Mumbai Police will likely involve examining call records, bank transaction details, and any other digital footprints left by the perpetrators. The objective of such an investigation is to trace the individuals behind the "three-way call merge scam" and to ascertain the full extent of their operations. The police will also aim to recover the stolen funds, though the success rate of such recoveries can vary depending on the speed of reporting and the methods used by the fraudsters to move the money.
The incident serves as a reminder for residents of Mumbai, particularly senior citizens, to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages, especially those related to banking, parcels, or customer service. Verifying the identity of callers through official channels rather than relying on information provided during the call itself is a standard recommendation from law enforcement agencies to prevent falling victim to similar scams. The ongoing investigation by the Mumbai Police will seek to bring clarity to the incident and identify the individuals responsible for defrauding Ravi Mehra.
