Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 1.5 Crore in Elaborate Digital Arrest Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 62-year-old senior citizen from Panvel, Navi Mumbai, was defrauded of Rs 1.5 crore by a scammer impersonating an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer. The fraudster placed the victim under a so-called digital arrest for nine days, falsely claiming the victim was linked to the Delhi bomb blast from last year.
Victim Files Complaint After Realizing Deception
The victim, identified as Vinayak Deshmukh, a retired market assistant, lodged a formal complaint with the authorities. An FIR was registered on Wednesday against the unidentified accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. This case highlights the growing menace of sophisticated cyber crimes targeting vulnerable individuals.
How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
According to the FIR, the ordeal began on March 23 when Deshmukh received a WhatsApp video call from a number with a Cambodia country code. The caller, pretending to be from the Delhi headquarters, informed Deshmukh that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against him for alleged links to the Delhi bomb blast.
The fraudster fabricated a detailed story, claiming that a person named Dr. Sahani had procured a mobile SIM card in Deshmukh's name. This SIM was allegedly used to open a bank account linked to Deshmukh's Aadhaar card, KYC details, and email ID. The scammer further asserted that Rs 2.7 crore had been transferred to this account, raising suspicions of terror funding.
Extortion Under the Guise of Investigation
As part of the supposed investigation, Deshmukh was instructed to download the Signal app. He was then informed that he was under digital arrest and could not leave his home or communicate with others. The next day, under pressure, he was coerced into providing extensive personal details on the app, including information about his bank accounts, property, gold ornaments, and other investments.
The fraudster manipulated Deshmukh into transferring Rs 1.5 crore to several bank accounts, promising that the amount would be returned after verification to clear his name from the fabricated case. This tactic exploited the victim's fear and trust in authority figures.
The Scam's Conclusion and Aftermath
On March 30, Deshmukh received another video call, this time from a mobile number with an India country code. The caller told him that his documents had been emailed to the Panvel police station. While Deshmukh was en route to collect them, the fraudster called again, stating that all papers had been sent to his residence by speed post.
It was only when Deshmukh tried to contact the caller afterward and found the mobile switched off that he realized he had been cheated. The realization came after nine days of psychological manipulation and financial loss.
Authorities Take Action
The FIR has been registered, and investigations are underway to track down the perpetrator. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated methods used by cyber criminals to defraud citizens, particularly targeting seniors who may be less familiar with digital threats. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited communications claiming to be from law enforcement agencies.
