A 73-year-old retired Finance Department officer from Lucknow became the victim of a sophisticated and prolonged cyber fraud, losing a staggering sum of nearly ₹90 lakh. The elaborate scam, which lasted for about 25 days, involved criminals posing as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell to intimidate and extort the senior citizen.
The Anatomy of a 25-Day 'Digital Arrest'
The victim, Amarjeet Singh, was subjected to what the fraudsters termed a 'digital arrest'. Through persistent video calls, they falsely claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him by the cyber police station in Mumbai. Operating under this manufactured atmosphere of fear and isolation, the scammers pressured Singh into transferring money for a supposed investigation.
Feeling panicked and with no one to immediately consult, Singh complied. He ended up transferring the massive amount of ₹90 lakh using various methods, including RTGS, UPI transactions, and by prematurely breaking his fixed deposits. The ordeal continued until his son noticed his father's visibly distressed behaviour and intervened.
Investigation Launched, Funds Partially Frozen
Upon being alerted by Singh's son, the cyber police were notified, bringing the fraud to light. Authorities have since taken swift action. A multi-state probe has been initiated to track down the perpetrators operating across different regions. In a crucial move, the police have managed to freeze a portion of the siphoned money, potentially limiting the final financial damage.
This case mirrors a recent incident where actor Nagarjuna revealed a family member faced a similar two-day 'digital arrest', highlighting that these scams are targeting individuals from all walks of life.
Five Vital Lessons to Shield Yourself from Cyber Fraud
This alarming incident serves as a critical reminder of the evolving nature of fear-driven cyber scams in India. Here are five key takeaways for everyone, especially senior citizens and bank account holders:
1. 'Digital Arrest' is a Myth: The Indian Constitution has no provision for 'digital arrest.' Law enforcement agencies do not arrest, investigate, or demand money, documents, or personal details over video calls or messaging apps. Any such claim is unequivocally a scam.
2. Resist Pressure and Fear Tactics: Scammers thrive on creating urgency and panic to shut down your rational thinking. If you feel pressured, do not act. Pause and immediately contact local authorities or a trusted family member for verification.
3. Authorities Never Ask for Money Transfers: No legitimate police officer, court official, or government agency will ever ask you to transfer funds for 'verification' or 'investigation.' Treat any such request as fraudulent and reject it firmly.
4. Always Verify Independently: If you receive a suspicious call or message, disconnect and contact the organisation or person directly using official numbers from their website or a known source. Do not use contact details provided by the potential scammer.
5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you encounter a scam or suffer a financial loss, report it promptly to your bank and the cybercrime helpline (1930). Early reporting can help freeze transactions, aid investigation, and potentially recover lost funds.
As digital transactions become ubiquitous, vigilance is no longer optional—it is your most valuable asset for financial safety. Staying informed and sceptical is the first line of defence against such sophisticated cyber frauds.
