The ordeal began on May 10, when Om Prakash Makad, a resident of Housing Board Colony in Hanumangarh, received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as Inspector Vijay Khanna from Colaba Police Station, Mumbai, and claimed that Makad’s phone number was linked to suspicious financial activities involving a fraudulent company from which ₹500 crore was seized by the Enforcement Directorate.
The impersonator warned Makad that his number would be blocked, and that he was now under investigation. As the pressure intensified, another fraudster posing as Neeraj Kumar, DCP CBI Mumbai, sent a fake arrest warrant and placed repeated threatening calls. In total, Makad received 40 to 50 calls over the span of a week from both Indian and international numbers, designed to mentally exhaust and coerce him.
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Fear and Manipulation Lead to Loss of Life Savings
The cybercriminals played on Makad’s fear of legal trouble, gradually extracting sensitive financial details, especially regarding his fixed deposits. Under duress, Makad prematurely liquidated his savings from three separate banks and made transfers in three instalments:
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₹69.5 lakh
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₹27.5 lakh
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₹50.5 lakh
This resulted in a cumulative loss of ₹1.5 crore, a devastating blow for the retired engineer who believed he was complying with law enforcement to avoid arrest.
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Cyber Police Launch Probe, Victim Files FIR
After realising he had been duped, Makad registered an FIR at the Cyber Police Station in Hanumangarh on Thursday. Additional Superintendent of Police Jintesh Tanwar confirmed that a case under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act has been filed. He added that cyber forensic experts are working with the police to trace the digital trail of the scammers and attempt fund recovery.
Tanwar also urged citizens to remain cautious and not respond to suspicious calls from unknown sources claiming to be from enforcement agencies. He emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns, especially among senior citizens who are often targeted in such scams.
This case adds to a growing list of digital arrest scams in India, where cybercriminals exploit fear of authority to swindle unsuspecting victims. Authorities are intensifying efforts to combat these frauds, but experts warn that prevention through awareness remains the first line of defense.
