In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a couple from Zirakpur, Punjab, was swindled out of a staggering Rs 38 lakh by criminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. The elaborate con involved threats of arrest in a fabricated money laundering case and a terrifying period of digital arrest where the victims were monitored via continuous video calls.
The Elaborate Con: A Web of Threats and Fake Documents
The ordeal began on January 7, 2026, around 5:50 PM, when the victim, Krishna Chand, received a call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as a police official from Mumbai's Colaba Police Station. He falsely claimed that Chand's Aadhaar card had been misused in a serious money laundering case. The fraudster warned that non-cooperation would lead to immediate arrest and confiscation of property.
To make the threat appear legitimate, the scammers escalated their tactics. They initiated a WhatsApp video call, appearing dressed in police uniforms. They sent fabricated arrest warrants and other official-looking documents to the victim. The harassment extended to Chand's wife, who also received threatening video calls. The fraud reached its peak when another person, claiming to be the CBI director, called from a different number to reinforce the threats.
The Psychological Trap and Financial Loss
Under immense mental pressure and fearing legal action, the couple succumbed to the demands. Krishna Chand transferred Rs 38 lakh from his bank account via RTGS using a cheque from his home branch in Zirakpur. The scammers maintained a relentless grip on the victims from the evening of January 7 until the evening of January 8, keeping them under continuous surveillance through phone and video calls, effectively placing them under a state of digital house arrest.
It was only after this harrowing period that the couple realized they had been duped. They subsequently approached the Sector 17 Cyber Crime police station in Chandigarh and filed a formal complaint. They provided the police with all relevant transaction details and the mobile numbers used by the accused.
Police Action and Public Advisory
After verifying the facts presented by the victims, the cyber cell registered a case against unknown persons. The police have launched an investigation based on the evidence provided.
In light of this incident, the police have issued a crucial advisory to the public. They urge citizens to be extremely cautious of anyone claiming to be from the police, CBI, or any other government agency over unsolicited phone calls. Authorities have clarified that no genuine government agency threatens arrest or demands money over phone or video calls.
The police have advised that if anyone receives such a threatening call, they should immediately disconnect and report the incident to the nearest police station or contact the national cyber crime helpline. Vigilance and verification are key to preventing such sophisticated online fraud schemes.
