In a distressing incident highlighting the perils of digital deception, a woman from Chennai's Vadapalani area was swindled of ₹75,000 by cyber criminals who impersonated officials from the Indian High Commissionerate in a foreign nation. The fraudsters spun a terrifying tale of her daughter being under 'digital arrest'.
The Elaborate Phone Fraud
The victims, identified as Ashok Anand and his wife Banumathi, residents of Vadapalani, received a menacing phone call. The individuals on the line boldly claimed to be officials from the Indian High Commissionerate. They presented a fabricated crisis to Banumathi, stating that her daughter, who is studying in London, had been detained.
The reason given was shockingly severe. The callers alleged that the daughter was accused of defrauding a minister of a massive sum of ₹10 crore. The consequence, they warned, would be a 10-year prison sentence. To add pressure, they threatened that her education would be ruined and her visa cancelled unless immediate action was taken.
The Transfer and Rising Suspicion
Fearing for her daughter's future and wellbeing, a panicked Banumathi believed the claims. Acting on the instructions of the fraudsters, she transferred ₹75,000 to a bank account provided by them. However, the ordeal did not end there. The con artists, emboldened by their initial success, contacted her again. This time, they demanded an additional ₹35,000.
It was this second demand for money that finally triggered suspicion in Banumathi's mind. She promptly informed her husband, Ashok Anand, about the entire situation. Together, they realized they had fallen prey to a sophisticated cyber crime scheme.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Upon realizing the scam, the couple took immediate steps to report the crime. They lodged a formal complaint with the cyber crime police station in T Nagar. The police have registered a case based on their complaint and have initiated a detailed investigation into the matter. Officers are now working to trace the digital footprints and the bank account used in this fraudulent transaction.
This case adds to a growing number of 'digital arrest' and impersonation scams reported across India, where fraudsters use fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Authorities advise citizens to always verify such calls through official channels and never share personal details or transfer money under pressure.
