Fraudsters posed as CBI officials, staged a fake money-laundering case; Police freeze ₹25 lakh after timely complaint.
Lucknow: In a striking case of digital fraud, an 80-year-old retired Deputy General Manager of Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL), Om Prakash Narayan Mishra, was allegedly confined to a room and kept under a so-called “digital arrest” for two consecutive days by cyber criminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. During this period, the fraudsters coerced him into transferring ₹47 lakh, claiming the money was required for an ongoing money-laundering probe.
CBI logo on WhatsApp caller ID, followed by a fabricated arrest warrant
Mishra, a resident of the Srinagar locality in Alambagh, said the ordeal began on 11 November, around noon, when he received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number displaying a CBI logo as its profile image. The caller introduced himself as a CBI officer and alleged that a bank account had been opened using Mishra’s Aadhaar details, which was now linked to a money-laundering racket.
Within minutes, the caller sent him a fake arrest warrant, warning of immediate legal action. A visibly shaken Mishra tried seeking clarity, but soon after, he received a video call showing a man in a police uniform standing inside what appeared to be a police station. The man claimed the case had reached the Mumbai High Court and that Mishra would face arrest along with his family if he failed to cooperate.
Two days of video-based interrogation; the fraudster appears dressed as a judge
Under pressure, the retired official followed the instructions to lock himself inside a room and refrain from speaking to anyone. Over the next two days—11 and 12 November—he was subjected to repeated video-call interrogations. The calls were later transferred to another individual who appeared dressed like a judge and conducted a staged “hearing,” reinforcing the illusion of a real legal proceeding.
The so-called CBI officer then told Mishra that although he was “not the real culprit,” the agency required his help to trap the actual offender. The fraudster claimed that the accused’s account details were with the police and that Mishra must transfer ₹47 lakh—the amount in his savings—to a “CBI account,” which would then be used to bait and catch the suspect.
Fearing for his family and convinced by the elaborate staging, Mishra transferred the entire amount. Immediately afterwards, the scammers disconnected the call and switched off their phones.
Family steps in; police freeze ₹25 lakh after prompt complaint
When the money did not return and the calls stopped, Mishra became anxious. His son noticed his distress and, after questioning him repeatedly, learned about the incident. Realizing they had been duped, the family contacted the 1930 National Cyber Helpline without delay.
On 13 November, an FIR was lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station. Inspector said the timely alert helped police freeze ₹25 lakh before it could be withdrawn by the fraudsters. Efforts are underway to recover the remaining amount.
How to avoid falling prey to ‘digital arrest’ scams
Here are a few tips to prevent yourself from falling prey to digital arrest scams-
- Be cautious of WhatsApp or audio/video calls from unknown numbers claiming to be from CBI, police or customs.
- No investigative agency conducts interrogations via WhatsApp, nor issues arrest warrants through mobile messages.
- Do not stay isolated or comply with instructions to lock yourself in a room.
- Immediately report any suspicious communication to the police.
Where to report cyber fraud
Victims can file complaints through:
- National Cyber Helpline: 1930
- www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Nearest Cyber Crime Police Station or local police authorities
