Vadodara: In a chilling example of the rising “digital arrest” scams, a 67-year-old retired Bank of Baroda officer from Vadodara has fallen prey to cybercriminals who extorted ₹64.41 lakh from him over a span of 18 days — while keeping him under constant video surveillance.
The victim, identified as Vivekanand (name changed), a resident of Makarpura Road, received a phone call that turned his life upside down. The caller claimed to be from a government agency and informed him that his Aadhaar card had been misused to activate multiple SIM cards linked to money laundering operations.
Before he could respond, the caller introduced him to a man named Vishal Thakur, who posed as an “investigating officer.” Thakur told the retired banker that his name had appeared in a financial fraud case involving a Canara Bank officer, and that multiple bank accounts had been opened in his name across Punjab, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu.
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During their conversation, Thakur initiated a video call, claiming it was part of an “official verification process.” He assured Vivekanand that, given his status as a senior citizen and retired officer, they wanted to “protect his dignity” — but warned that an arrest was “inevitable” unless he cooperated in a confidential online inquiry.
Frightened and desperate to clear his name, the retired officer complied. Over the following days, the fraudsters gained his trust and demanded details of his bank accounts, deposits, and property. Soon after, they sent forged letters bearing the logos of the CBI and RBI, directing him to transfer specific amounts via RTGS “for verification.”
Under psychological pressure and fear of legal action, Vivekanand transferred ₹64.41 lakh through four separate transactions over an 18-day period. However, the most alarming part of the ordeal was the constant video surveillance he was subjected to.
The scammers ordered him to remain connected on a video call every morning and to stay visible throughout the day. They monitored his movements, conversations, and even phone activity. Whenever he stepped outside, he was required to inform them in advance. At times, they even asked about his vehicle and the visitors arriving at his home.
For 18 days, the retired banker lived in a state of isolation and mental distress, believing he was under an official investigation. When the fraudsters began demanding additional payments, he finally grew suspicious and approached the Vadodara Cyber Cell.
Investigators later confirmed that the accounts where the money was transferred were created using fake identification documents, and the funds were immediately routed through multiple accounts to conceal their trail.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Professor Triveni Singh explained the growing menace of such scams:
“Digital arrest scams are among the most manipulative forms of cybercrime today. Fraudsters exploit a victim’s fear, respect for authority, and psychological vulnerability. No legitimate law enforcement agency conducts investigations over WhatsApp or video calls, nor do they ever ask for money transfers.”
Professor Singh further emphasized that awareness and caution are the only defenses against such scams. He urged citizens to verify all calls claiming to be from government or law enforcement agencies and to immediately contact the National Cyber Helpline at 1930 in case of doubt.
This case once again underscores how cybercrime in India has evolved beyond mere technical frauds into psychological warfare, where fear and trust are weaponized. The so-called “digital arrest” is not just an online scam — it is a digital form of intimidation, designed to strip victims of both money and peace of mind.
