Follow us on Google News
A retired woman government officer in Mysuru was allegedly cheated of more than ₹1.5 crore by cyber fraudsters impersonating Enforcement Directorate (ED) and police officials. The accused threatened her with arrest over a fabricated money laundering allegation and persuaded her to transfer funds for purported verification over a period of one month.
According to a complaint registered with Mysuru’s Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police, the fraudsters contacted the victim through WhatsApp and claimed that her mobile number and bank account were linked to illegal financial transactions.
The victim transferred money in multiple instalments after being assured that the amount would be returned once the supposed investigation was completed. She approached the police when the promised refund did not materialise.
FCRF’s Chief AI Officer Certification Returns on November 14 to Prepare Future AI Leaders
Fraudsters Posed as ED Officials, Claimed Arrest Warrant Was Issued
The fraud began when the retired officer received a WhatsApp call from an unidentified person claiming to represent the Enforcement Directorate.
The caller alleged that her mobile number was connected to illegal activities and subsequently claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against her for misuse of a bank account held with a nationalised bank.
To reinforce the allegations, the fraudsters arranged a video call featuring a person dressed in a police uniform.
During the call, the impersonator displayed a debit card bearing the victim’s name and accused her of receiving commissions from suspicious financial transactions exceeding ₹20 crore.
The callers used the allegations and threats of arrest to pressure the victim into cooperating with what they presented as an official investigation.
Victim Transfers Over ₹1.5 Crore for Supposed Bank Verification
The fraudsters instructed the woman to transfer money from her bank account to an account specified by them, claiming that the transaction was necessary to verify the source of her funds.
They assured her that the entire amount would be refunded after the verification process.
Believing the claims, the retired officer transferred more than ₹1.5 crore through multiple transactions over approximately one month.
However, the promised refund never arrived. Realising that she had been deceived, the victim approached the Mysuru CEN Police and lodged a complaint seeking action against those responsible.
Police registered an FIR in connection with the alleged fraud. The available report does not disclose the identities of the suspects or indicate whether any of the transferred money has been recovered.
Cyber Police Warn Against Fake Arrest Threats and Verification Demands
Police warned that cybercriminals frequently impersonate law enforcement officials to frighten victims into transferring money under the pretext of financial verification.
In this case, the fraudsters allegedly used a combination of WhatsApp calls, a fabricated arrest warrant, police impersonation and allegations of large financial transactions to deceive the retired officer.
A cyber police official clarified that investigative agencies do not issue arrest warrants through video calls or demand money transfers to verify bank accounts.
The officer advised people to ignore suspicious calls claiming to involve arrests or financial investigations and immediately report such incidents to the police.
The case highlights the continuing use of digital arrest tactics to target individuals through false criminal allegations and threats of legal action.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
