cyber scam Senior Couple Duped in Digital Arrest Scam: How Cybercriminals Siphoned Off Rs 1.33 Crore in 10 Days”

A senior citizen couple from Goregaon, Mumbai, became victims of a terrifying “digital arrest” scam, where cybercriminals held them hostage for 10 days and siphoned off Rs 1.33 crore from their savings. The scammers manipulated the couple into believing they were implicated in a serious Rs 500-crore money laundering and terrorism case. Isolated from their family and neighbors, the couple, both retired employees of a prominent government bank, lost their entire life savings.

The ordeal began in early November when the woman, who had opted for voluntary retirement (VRS), received a call from an unknown number. The caller, posing as an official from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) customer services, falsely accused her of being involved in a large-scale bank fraud case. In panic, the woman followed the instructions of the fraudsters, who claimed an investigation had been initiated against her and her bank account, as well as her mobile number.

The situation escalated quickly. The fraudsters sent fake bank notices accusing her of money laundering, followed by a video call where they impersonated a Hyderabad police officer. The “officer” informed her that she had to remain available at all times during the investigation. Her anxiety grew as the scammers insisted she stay on constant video calls, effectively placing her under “digital arrest.” The fraudsters questioned her about a Canara Bank fraud and an SBI credit card that she didn’t own. Despite her repeated denials, they coerced her into transferring her money to “safe accounts” they provided.

For 10 days, from November 11 to November 19, the woman was kept under the scammer’s control. Even while sleeping, she had to remain on video calls with the criminals. The fraudsters pressured her to withdraw Rs 35 lakh from her fixed deposit (FD), claiming it was needed for the ongoing investigation. She went to her bank to break the FD, but was told that due to staff shortage, she would need to return after the state elections. Upon her return home, she read a newspaper article about similar scams, which made her suspicious.

Realizing the possibility of being scammed, she quickly contacted the 1930 cybercrime helpline and reported the incident to the North Cyber Cell of Mumbai Police. Senior Police Inspector Suvarna Shinde and her team acted swiftly to counsel the woman, guiding her through the process of filing a complaint. According to the Cyber Cell, the fraud began in the first week of November when the woman received the call, and by the time she sought help, the scammers had already stolen a significant amount of her savings.

The scammers used a highly manipulative tactic, preying on the woman’s fear of being arrested for a crime she had no knowledge of. The moment they sensed her panic, they exploited her vulnerability. Cybercrime officers explained that such fraudsters often target senior citizens who may not be as tech-savvy, making them more susceptible to deception. The fraudsters also had a sophisticated set-up, using video calls and false identities to appear legitimate, sometimes even creating fake police station environments to further intimidate victims.

This scam is part of a worrying trend of “digital arrests” that have been rising throughout the year. These frauds typically involve criminals posing as officials from law enforcement agencies like the police, the CBI, the RBI, or the ED. In these scams, the victims are falsely accused of being involved in criminal activities and are pressured into transferring money to resolve the fabricated investigation. As of October 2024, the Mumbai Cyber Cell has registered 102 cases of “digital arrest,” with the total amount involved in these scams exceeding Rs 90 crore. However, only 16 of these cases have been successfully solved so far.

The rising number of such scams has garnered the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom have emphasized the need for greater public awareness to combat these increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes. Awareness campaigns, such as one on the popular show Kaun Banega Crorepati, have sought to educate citizens, especially senior citizens, about the dangers of digital fraud.

Experts warn that senior citizens, often isolated due to the absence of children living nearby or busy work schedules, are particularly vulnerable. Many spend a lot of time on their phones and social media, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Even after falling victim to such fraud, senior citizens are often reluctant to report the crime due to fear of distressing their children. This incident highlights the importance of children educating their parents about the risks of cyber fraud, which has become a growing concern.

The modus operandi of these digital arrest scams is chillingly methodical. Initially, fraudsters make contact with the victim, claiming they have been sent a parcel containing illegal goods, drugs, or fake passports. They may then falsely accuse a relative or friend of being involved in a crime, and demand money to resolve the situation. The victims are often subjected to relentless pressure and intimidation, being forced to stay on video calls with the criminals until their demands are met. Some fraudsters even create fake police stations to make their operation appear more convincing.

If you or someone you know becomes a victim of such a scam, it’s important to report it immediately to the cybercrime helpline (1930) or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/). Acting within the “golden hours” of the fraud—within two hours of a transaction—can significantly increase the chances of recovering lost funds. Reporting promptly to the local police is also crucial in preventing further loss.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how sophisticated cybercriminals can be and underscores the need for constant vigilance and education on the dangers of digital fraud.

Table of Contents

• Senior Couple Duped in Digital Arrest Scam: How Cybercriminals Siphoned Off Rs 1.33 Crore in 10 Days”