A serious cyber fraud case has emerged from the Kalyan region of Maharashtra, where an 82-year-old woman was cheated of ₹73.30 lakh over five days after being threatened with a fake “digital arrest” and alleged links to a terror network.
The incident took place between April 6 and April 10. The victim resides in a residential society on Murbad Road in the Kalyan area.
According to the initial investigation, the fraudsters contacted the elderly woman and introduced themselves as investigating officers. They falsely claimed that her mobile number was linked to a terrorist network. The accused further alleged that her number had been used in suspicious financial transactions connected to a terror attack in Pahalgam, creating panic and fear.
Over the next few days, four more individuals joined the calls, each posing as police or investigation agency officials. They continuously pressured the woman, isolating her mentally and preventing her from seeking help or verifying the claims with anyone.
The fraudsters then sent multiple bank account details via WhatsApp and instructed her to transfer money through RTGS and online transactions under the pretext of “verification”. Under sustained psychological pressure and fear, the victim complied with their instructions for five consecutive days.
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₹73 Lakh Siphoned in Multiple Bank Transfers
During this period, the money was transferred in multiple instalments into different bank accounts. In total, ₹73.30 lakh was siphoned off by the cyber criminals. The scam came to light only after the woman informed her family members, who immediately realized she had been defrauded.
A complaint was subsequently registered at the Mahatma Phule Chowk Police Station in Thane. Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act and have launched a detailed investigation.
Digital Arrest Scam Targets Vulnerable Seniors
Officials stated that the gang appears to be operating a “digital arrest scam”, a growing cybercrime technique where victims are threatened with fake legal action and coerced into transferring money.
Cybersecurity experts say that such frauds rely heavily on psychological manipulation. Victims are kept under constant pressure through repeated calls, isolation tactics, and fabricated legal threats, which prevent them from thinking rationally or seeking external advice.
Experts also warn that no investigation agency or police authority ever demands money transfers or bank details over the phone. Any such claim is a clear sign of fraud.
Police Trace Multi-State Network, Urge Vigilance
Police are currently tracing the bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital transaction records used in the scam. Investigators suspect that the network could be spread across multiple states and may also have international links.
The case once again highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting elderly citizens, who are often more vulnerable due to limited awareness of digital fraud tactics.
Authorities have urged the public not to trust any unknown calls involving threats of “digital arrest” or criminal cases. Citizens are advised to immediately report such incidents on the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and contact local police without delay.
Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting fear-based narratives such as terrorism and legal action to manipulate victims. They use official-sounding language, fake identities, and continuous intimidation to maintain control over the victim’s actions.
Senior citizens are particularly at risk as they may not be familiar with digital banking procedures or cyber fraud tactics. Fraudsters take advantage of this gap, isolating them emotionally and ensuring compliance through fear.
Cyber experts emphasize the importance of awareness and verification. Any suspicious call should be disconnected immediately, and information must be confirmed through official channels or family members. Banks and government agencies never ask for OTPs or direct money transfers over phone calls.
The incident serves as a strong reminder of the growing sophistication of cyber fraud networks and the urgent need for public vigilance in the digital age.
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.
