In a shocking case of fraud, a couple from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, scammed elderly individuals out of a staggering ₹35 crore by promoting an “Israel-made time machine” that allegedly reversed aging. Rajeev Kumar Dubey and his wife, Rashmi Dubey, preyed on the fear of aging, luring senior citizens into believing their health and youth could be restored through a miraculous machine and therapy. The couple ran a fraudulent clinic called Revival World in Kidwai Nagar, where they promised life-changing results.
The Scam: ‘Youth Restoration Through Oxygen Therapy’
The Dubeys claimed that modern pollution was rapidly aging people and that they had a cutting-edge solution: an imported “time machine” from Israel that could rejuvenate a 60-year-old back to their youthful 25-year-old self. They combined the alleged machine with oxygen therapy, promising clients visible changes within months. The cost? ₹6,000 for 10 sessions or a three-year plan for ₹90,000, offering hope to the elderly who were desperate to reclaim their youth.
Their persuasive sales pitch and promises of restored vitality drew in dozens of victims who were convinced the couple’s machine could reverse aging.
Pyramid Scheme Expands the Fraud
The couple’s scam extended beyond their outrageous claims about the time machine. According to victims like Renu Singh Chandel, who lost ₹10.75 lakh, the couple also ran a pyramid scheme to expand their operation. Clients were promised free sessions if they brought in new customers, enticing them to recruit others into the scam. This tactic allowed the couple to defraud around 25 couples, tricking them out of millions of rupees, with total losses amounting to ₹35 crore.
The fraudulent scheme quickly spiraled out of control, leaving many elderly individuals financially devastated.
The Hunt for the Dubeys
As complaints mounted and authorities were alerted, Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey fled the scene. Local police, led by officer Anjali Vishwakarma, confirmed that the couple is currently on the run. Airports across the country are being closely monitored to prevent their escape, and a manhunt is underway. Authorities are working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims of this large-scale scam.
Warning Signs of Fraud: How the Elderly Were Targeted
The Dubeys masterfully exploited their victims’ vulnerabilities, using common fraud tactics, such as:
- Capitalizing on Aging Fears: The fear of aging and deteriorating health was at the heart of the scam. The elderly were promised youth, using an unrealistic solution to manipulate their emotions.
- False Promises of Cutting-Edge Technology: By promoting an “Israel-made time machine,” the couple created an air of scientific legitimacy that lured victims into trusting their services.
- Pyramid Scheme Expansion: To further their scam, the Dubeys incentivized victims to recruit others into the fraudulent business by offering free sessions in exchange for new clients. This pyramid-like structure expanded the reach of their fraud, ensnaring even more people.
Conclusion
The Kanpur couple’s ₹35 crore scam highlights the vulnerability of the elderly to financial fraud, especially when it taps into their fears of aging and illness. Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey took advantage of these fears with their elaborate scheme, offering false hope in the form of a miraculous “time machine.” While the couple remains at large, the authorities are working to ensure they are brought to justice.
This case serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to be cautious of too-good-to-be-true promises, particularly when it comes to health and wellness claims.