An 84-year-old retired deputy director from a Union ministry became the victim of an elaborate cyber scam in which fraudsters accused him of illegal activity and put him under what they called “digital arrest.” Over several days, he transferred a total of ₹1.70 crore under threats and pressure before realising it was a fraud.
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How the Fraud Unfolded
The ordeal began on September 9 when the man received a call claiming a phone number registered in his name was linked to illegal transactions. He was told to participate in a fake investigation and was later contacted by someone posing as a police or CBI officer. Video calls were used to show forged documents including his Aadhaar details. The fraudsters said he needed to cooperate with the probe and even asked him to join the next steps of the investigation from Mumbai.
Because of his age and the pressure applied, the victim did everything online. He transferred ₹1.30 crore in one go, then another ₹40 lakh. On one of the later days, the fraudsters demanded another ₹20 lakh. It was at that point, when he saw a news report about similar “digital arrest” frauds, that he shared his struggle with his son and realised he was being duped.
Aftermath and Lessons
A case has been registered under laws covering cheating, personation, and extortion along with clauses of the IT Act. The cybercrime branch of the police is investigating the suspects who remain unidentified.
This case shows how impersonation and psychological pressure are being used to target elderly people, especially with fear tactics like “digital arrest” and legal threats. The public is urged to always verify claims of legal or police investigation independently, not transfer money under coercion, and consult a trusted family member before responding to suspicious calls or video calls demanding payments.