In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 61-year-old woman from Indore was swindled out of a staggering Rs 17 lakh by criminals who posed as police and CBI officials. The fraudsters subjected her to a terrifying five-day "digital arrest" and threatened to implicate her in a fabricated money laundering case, police revealed on Wednesday.
The Elaborate Scam Unfolds
According to Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya, the incident occurred in July 2025. The victim, however, was too frightened and concerned about her reputation to report the crime immediately. It was only after her family intervened and persuaded her that she finally approached the police, leading to the registration of an FIR recently.
The elaborate con began when the woman received a call from a person identifying himself as Brajesh Kumar, who claimed to be an executive from a telecom company. He informed her that a SIM card had been issued in her name and was being used for suspicious financial transactions. When she denied any involvement, the caller asserted that an FIR had been filed against her at Colaba police station in Mumbai and instructed her to appear there.
A Web of Deception by Fake Officials
Shortly after the first call, the victim received a WhatsApp call from a woman who introduced herself as Inspector Aarti from Colaba police station. This fake inspector claimed the SIM was linked to money laundering and smuggling activities and warned of a warrant being issued against the senior citizen.
The deception deepened with a third call from a man posing as CBI Inspector Daya Nayak. He allegedly told the woman she was already implicated in the money laundering case but could be spared if she cooperated with the "investigation." He explicitly instructed her not to inform her family. The fraudsters then extracted details of her bank accounts and assets, directing her to transfer money for "verification purposes." Trusting the callers, the woman transferred Rs 17 lakh in five instalments to different bank accounts.
Fear and Embarrassment Delay Reporting
The scammers assured her the full amount would be refunded within 48 to 72 hours. When the money did not return and the mobile numbers were switched off, she grew suspicious. Yet, gripped by fear and embarrassment, she still did not share the ordeal with anyone.
The fraud finally came to light when her family reviewed her bank statements, noticed the missing funds, and questioned her. After being convinced by her relatives, the woman, accompanied by them, reached the Crime Branch on Tuesday to file a formal complaint.
Police Action and Crucial Public Warning
Following the FIR, police have initiated the process of tracing the bank accounts where the money was deposited and have begun account hold procedures. DCP Dandotiya issued a stern warning to the public, clarifying crucial facts to prevent such frauds:
- There is no legal provision for "digital arrest."
- No genuine police officer or investigating agency will ever demand money transfers over phone calls.
He urged citizens not to panic if they receive such threatening calls and to immediately contact the national cyber helpline 1930 or report the incident at the nearest police station.
