Lucknow, October 10, 2025 — In one of the most sophisticated cyber frauds reported in recent months, a retired senior banker from Lucknow lost ₹2.75 crore after being virtually “detained” for 51 days by online scammers posing as law enforcement officials. The victim, identified as Siddharth Nath, a resident of Vikas Nagar, was coerced into transferring his life savings to multiple bank accounts under the pretext of clearing his name in a fabricated money-laundering investigation. Police have registered a case and transferred it to the Cyber Crime Cell for deeper investigation.
The Fraud: A Call That Changed Everything
The scam began on the morning of July 30, when Nath received a WhatsApp audio call from someone claiming to be an employee of a telecom company. The caller alleged that a SIM card registered under Nath’s name in Mumbai was being used for “illegal activities.” When Nath denied purchasing any such SIM, the caller warned that he could face immediate legal action. Within minutes, the call was transferred to another person — this time posing as a police officer — who accused Nath of involvement in a money-laundering case.
The ‘Digital Court’ Illusion
Soon after, the victim received a WhatsApp video call showing what appeared to be a virtual courtroom. A man dressed in police uniform sat behind a desk, announcing that Nath’s “hearing” was underway and that he was being “remanded for seven days.” The elaborate performance — complete with background visuals resembling a court — convinced the terrified banker that he was under official scrutiny. The scammers then demanded cooperation, assuring him that full compliance could lead to his “bail.”
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The Gradual Draining of a Lifetime’s Savings
Between August 2 and September 19, Nath was manipulated into liquidating nearly all his financial holdings — mutual funds, fixed deposits, pension accounts, and even his late wife’s savings. Following the scammers’ precise instructions, he transferred a total of ₹2.75 crore to various accounts, believing it would help clear his record. On September 19, the scammers told him he was “released,” only to contact him again days later, demanding another ₹50 lakh for a supposed bail order. When Nath refused, the calls abruptly stopped — leaving him to realize the full extent of the deception.
Aftermath: Trauma and Disclosure
Emotionally shattered and ashamed, Nath initially refrained from contacting the police. It was only after his deteriorating mental health and persuasion from family members that he filed an official complaint on October 6. Station House Officer Alok Singh confirmed that the case has been registered and handed over to the Cyber Crime Police Station for investigation.
Expert View — Prof. Triveni Singh, Former IPS Officer & Cybercrime Specialist
“The so-called ‘digital arrest’ is one of the most psychologically manipulative forms of cyber fraud we’ve seen,” said Professor Triveni Singh, India’s leading cybercrime expert and former IPS officer.
“Fraudsters impersonate officials, instill fear, and create a convincing illusion of legal jeopardy. Their real weapon is not technology, but psychological control — fear becomes their strongest tool.”
Prof. Singh added that such crimes disproportionately target educated and senior citizens.
“These individuals often respect institutions and the law deeply. When threatened with reputational or legal damage, they comply out of fear. The key message is clear: no legitimate agency ever conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp, video calls, or social media.”
