Jaipur: Cybercriminals used a new technological intimidation tactic to trap a 75-year-old retired principal in a ‘digital arrest’ scam, cheating her of ₹1.85 crore. The accused allegedly posed as an officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch and terrified the woman by threatening legal action, forcing her to transfer money into multiple accounts.
The victim has been identified as Saraswati Maheshwari, who lives alone in the Kamala Nehru Nagar area of Jodhpur. Her husband, who was a supervisor in the Agriculture Department, has passed away. Police said the fraudsters exploited the woman’s loneliness and age, putting her under prolonged mental pressure.
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The incident began on February 16 when the woman received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Mumbai Crime Branch officer. The caller alleged that a bank account had been opened using her mobile number and Aadhaar card, and that ₹25 lakh as commission money had been deposited into it. The scammer told her to “surrender” the money allegedly lying in her account.
Under fear and confusion, the woman started transferring funds from her bank accounts. She issued a cheque worth ₹1.85 crore from State Bank of India and transferred the amount. Shockingly, such a large transaction was reportedly processed without adequate scrutiny or questioning by bank staff.
The fraudsters then intensified pressure and instructed her to transfer money from another account as well. The accused remained on the phone continuously, threatening arrest if she did not follow their directions. Later, the woman also issued two cheques of ₹2 lakh each, which were returned due to insufficient balance.
During the investigation, it emerged that the scammers also attempted to convince the woman to withdraw money from another bank account. When she reached a branch of Punjab National Bank to break her fixed deposit and transfer ₹22 lakh, bank employees became suspicious.
Bank officials noticed nervous behaviour and inconsistencies in her statements. The matter was immediately reported to the Rajasthan Cyber Police. Acting promptly, bank staff stopped the transaction and took the woman to the cyber police station.
During questioning, the woman revealed that she had already transferred ₹1.85 crore earlier. Authorities suspect the involvement of an organised cybercrime syndicate targeting elderly and isolated individuals.
Cybersecurity experts say that in ‘digital arrest’ scams, criminals impersonate law enforcement officials and psychologically confine victims through phone or video calls. They threaten arrest or legal action unless money is transferred immediately.
Police are now examining suspicious bank accounts, call records and the money trail to determine how the funds were further routed through the network. Officials have urged the public not to share personal or banking details with unknown callers.
Cyber police have advised that if anyone receives a call demanding money by claiming to be a government official, they should immediately contact the nearest police station or bank branch. Experts warn that panic and fear are the primary tools exploited by fraudsters in such cases.
Authorities said the case also reflects the emerging pattern of online financial frauds in India, where technical intimidation and social isolation are being used as weapons. A detailed report will be released after the completion of the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
