Police in Rajasthan have arrested four accused, including a contract bank employee, in connection with a ₹1.85 crore cyber fraud carried out through a “digital arrest” scam targeting an elderly woman in Jodhpur.
According to investigators, the fraudsters impersonated law-enforcement officials and intimidated the victim into transferring large sums of money under the pretext of an ongoing criminal investigation.
Elderly woman targeted in digital arrest scam
Police said the victim, an elderly woman, was contacted by cybercriminals who claimed to be officials from investigative agencies.
The fraudsters allegedly told her that her Aadhaar number and bank account were linked to illegal financial activities, creating panic and convincing her that she could face arrest if she did not cooperate.
Under pressure and fear of legal consequences, the victim transferred ₹1.85 crore to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
Digital arrest scams typically involve criminals posing as police or government officials and coercing victims to transfer money while falsely claiming they are under investigation or “virtual custody.”
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Contract bank employee among those arrested
During the investigation, police traced the financial transactions and identified several individuals allegedly involved in facilitating the fraud.
Authorities arrested four accused, including a contractual bank employee, who is suspected of helping the fraudsters manage bank accounts used to route the stolen funds.
Investigators believe the accused played a role in opening or operating bank accounts used to receive and transfer the defrauded money, a tactic commonly used by cybercrime networks to conceal financial trails.
Police track money trail
Cybercrime investigators analysed bank transactions and digital communication records to identify the suspects and trace the movement of funds.
Officials said the arrests were made after technical surveillance and financial analysis revealed links between the accused and the accounts used in the fraud.
Authorities are continuing the investigation to identify additional members of the cybercrime network and determine whether the accounts were used in other cyber fraud cases.
Rising threat of digital arrest scams
Police have warned that digital arrest scams are becoming increasingly common across India, particularly targeting senior citizens.
In such cases, fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the police, CBI, or telecom authorities and use intimidation tactics to force victims into transferring money.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from law-enforcement agencies and to immediately report suspected cyber fraud through the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or the official cybercrime reporting portal.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
