Elderly Kutch Couple Loses Rs 1.07 Crore in Prolonged 'Digital Arrest' Cyber Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an elderly couple from Kutch, Gujarat, was allegedly duped of a staggering Rs 1.07 crore by fraudsters who subjected them to a "digital arrest" for nearly a month. The victims, identified as Daniel (85) and his wife Maryam (83), were threatened with arrest in a fabricated money laundering case, leading to their prolonged ordeal.
Victims Forced into Continuous Video Surveillance
According to police reports, the couple was coerced into remaining on continuous video calls with the accused, who impersonated officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the court. The fraudsters allegedly forbade Daniel and Maryam from switching off their cameras, effectively placing them under constant digital surveillance. This tactic, described as a "digital arrest," isolated the elderly victims and heightened their fear of legal repercussions.
Fraudsters Used Forged Documents to Gain Trust
To lend credibility to their threats, the cybercriminals sent forged documents via WhatsApp, including:
- Purported court orders
- Fake arrest warrants
- Papers bearing what appeared to be Supreme Court seals
These documents falsely claimed that a money laundering case had been registered against Daniel, manipulating the couple into compliance. The accused assured them that cooperation would prevent arrest, but insisted that money needed to be deposited with the government for "verification" purposes.
Financial Transactions Spanning Nearly a Month
Between December 31 and January 28, the elderly couple was instructed to transfer funds to multiple bank accounts through RTGS and NEFT transactions. Over this period, they allegedly lost a total of over Rs 1.07 crore, depleting their savings in what police describe as a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme. The complaint was lodged by their son, Romy Daniel (51), a printing press owner, at the Cybercrime police station in Kutch East (Gandhidham).
Growing Concerns Over Cybercrime Targeting Elderly
This incident highlights the vulnerability of elderly citizens to cyber fraud, particularly through tactics like digital arrest and impersonation of authority figures. Authorities are investigating the case, emphasizing the need for public awareness and vigilance against such scams. The use of forged legal documents and prolonged psychological pressure underscores the evolving methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit trust and fear.
