Elderly Man in Visakhapatnam Falls Victim to Rs 40 Lakh Digital Arrest Scam
Cybercriminals have cheated an 85-year-old man from Visakhapatnam out of a staggering Rs 40 lakh. The fraudsters used a tactic known as 'digital arrest,' where they impersonated police officers and threatened the elderly victim with immediate arrest.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, who resides in Vizag, received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as Kumar, claiming to be a police officer from a station in Bengaluru. He told the elderly man that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered against him. The charges involved alleged participation in a job fraud and a human trafficking case.
The caller stated bluntly that the victim would be arrested. However, he offered a way out. If the man cooperated and paid money, his name could be removed from the case. Fearing arrest, the victim agreed to the demands.
Phased Payments Under Duress
The fraud began with an initial demand for Rs 3 lakh, which the victim transferred to a specified bank account. The criminals did not stop there.
- They later demanded another Rs 27 lakh, claiming it was needed for further investigation.
- After a few days, they asked for an additional Rs 10 lakh.
- In total, the man transferred Rs 40 lakh to the scammers.
Even after receiving this large sum, the fraudsters grew more brazen. They demanded another Rs 20 lakh. It was at this point that the victim's suspicion was finally aroused.
The Realization and Police Complaint
The elderly man started reading about similar scams online. He realized he had been tricked. He immediately approached the cybercrime police station in Vizag city to file a formal complaint.
Police officials confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern. Senior citizens are increasingly becoming targets of these digital arrest scams across the state, a senior officer from the cybercrime wing stated.
A Growing Threat to Senior Citizens
The officer explained the emotional manipulation tactics used by these criminals. The fraudsters deliberately create an atmosphere of fear, confusion, and urgency. They exploit these emotions to pressure elderly individuals into parting with their life savings.
Many victims do not report the crime due to feelings of shame or fear. Some lack the knowledge of where to seek help. The emotional toll can be severe, sometimes leading to depression among the elderly who are cheated.
Despite ongoing awareness campaigns about cybercrimes like digital arrests and investment frauds, many seniors continue to fall into these traps. The police urge the public, especially families with elderly members, to remain vigilant and educate their loved ones about such threats.
