In a proactive move to combat the rising menace of digital arrest fraud, Mumbai Police has launched a special initiative targeting senior citizens living alone across the city. This comes as cyber criminals posing as officials from central agencies like CBI and ED have been systematically targeting vulnerable elderly residents.
What is Digital Arrest Fraud?
Despite having no legal recognition, the concept of digital arrest has become a terrifying reality for many senior citizens in Mumbai. Fraudsters contact potential victims pretending to be officials from prestigious investigation agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Enforcement Directorate (ED).
These criminals falsely claim that the victim's bank account has been involved in fraudulent activities and subsequently place them under digital arrest. The scammers then threaten the victims not to disclose this situation to anyone, effectively isolating them from seeking help or verification.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Massive Financial Losses
The scale of this cyber crime has reached alarming proportions in Mumbai. According to police data, 142 cases of digital arrest fraud have been registered in the city between January and October 2025 alone.
More shockingly, these incidents have resulted in financial losses amounting to ₹114 crore being siphoned off by cyber criminals. The majority of victims in these cases are senior citizens who live alone and lack immediate family support to verify such threatening calls.
Police Initiative: Door-to-Door Awareness Campaign
Mumbai Police has responded to this growing threat with a targeted outreach program. The initiative began in South Mumbai, where authorities identified 627 senior citizens residing alone in zone 1 of the police jurisdiction.
A dedicated team comprising 25 officers and 27 constables has been visiting these senior citizens at their homes to educate them about digital arrest scams. During these visits, police personnel explain the modus operandi of fraudsters and provide crucial information on how to protect themselves from such cyber crimes.
We have also provided them with pamphlets in various languages so that they can read up about it and also alert others to not fall prey to such cyber crimes, added a police official involved in the initiative.
The awareness material distributed in multiple languages ensures that language barriers don't prevent understanding of this critical security information. This comprehensive approach aims to create a protective shield around the most vulnerable demographic in the city.
