A man from Shahjahanpur was tricked into losing over ₹1 crore in an elaborate cyber fraud where scammers impersonated high-ranking government officials and staged an online court proceeding to intimidate him. The incident sheds light on the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams — a disturbing new trend where victims are virtually held hostage and coerced into paying hefty sums.
A New Age Scam: How the ‘Digital Arrest’ Trap Was Set
It started like many modern cybercrimes — with a phone call. The Shahjahanpur resident received a call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller informed him that a serious case was registered against him and that he was about to be arrested.
The victim was soon directed to a video call posing as an official court hearing. On screen were people dressed as judges and law enforcement officers, fake courtrooms in the background, and fabricated legal documents.
Overwhelmed and frightened, the man was told he had to pay certain “legal charges,” fines, and “security deposits” to avoid immediate arrest and prison time.
The Financial Loss and Police Action
In total, the victim transferred ₹1 crore to various accounts provided by the scammers. It wasn’t until the ordeal ended that the man realised he had fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber scam.
Once the victim approached the police, the Shahjahanpur cybercrime unit quickly launched an investigation. Within days, they arrested seven individuals allegedly involved in the racket. According to police, the gang operated with high levels of digital manipulation — creating fake IDs, court documents, and video call setups to carry out the fraud.
‘Digital Arrest’ Scams on the Rise Nationwide
This incident is not isolated. Across India, similar cases have been surfacing. Fraudsters, often from organized cybercrime networks, use fake legal threats and virtual hearings to terrorise people into parting with their savings.
In recent months:
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A retired Mumbai doctor lost ₹2.89 crore.
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A Jaipur resident was conned out of ₹23 lakh.
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Patna saw a couple lose ₹1.95 crore to similar schemes.
Cybercrime officers warn that these scams target affluent or elderly citizens, banking on their fear of legal complications and unfamiliarity with digital proceedings.
Public Advisory and How to Stay Safe
Officials and cyber experts have issued fresh advisories warning the public against such scams:
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No government agency or court conducts legal hearings or arrests via video call.
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If you receive such a call, do not panic or transfer money.
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Always verify claims independently by calling official helpline numbers.
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Report suspicious calls immediately to your local cyber police or the national cybercrime helpline (1930).
Authorities are urging citizens to stay informed about digital fraud tactics as scammers continue to exploit technology and fear to prey on unsuspecting victims.