Bengaluru: In a deeply alarming case of cybercrime, a 61-year-old man from Bengaluru was duped of ₹2.07 crore after being trapped in a so-called ‘digital arrest’ scam. The fraudsters impersonated officials of central investigative agencies and kept the victim under constant psychological pressure for 11 days. Later they forced him to transfer large sums of money across multiple bank accounts.
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According to the victim, it began in March with a phone call from an individual claiming to be from the ‘National Data Protection Centre’. The caller alleged that the victim’s identity documents had been misused to obtain a SIM card in Mumbai, which was being linked to threatening calls, obscene content distribution, and drug trafficking activities.
Fake terror allegations and fabricated FIRs used to create fear
To intensify the pressure, the fraudsters claimed that 30 to 50 FIRs had been registered against the victim at Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. Soon after, he began receiving multiple calls from different numbers, where callers introduced themselves as officials from the NIA and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Through these repeated conversations, the victim was convinced that he was under serious criminal investigation. The scammers placed him under a fabricated ‘digital arrest’, instructing him to remain constantly available and avoid contacting anyone else, effectively isolating him from external support.
The accused further claimed that the matter could be resolved if the victim cooperated with the investigation. He was told that payments were required under various heads such as ‘verification fee’ and ‘case clearance charges’.
Between April 7 and April 18, the victim transferred a total of ₹2,07,04,600 through RTGS transactions into multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Each transaction was justified as part of an official procedure, with assurances that the money would be refunded once the “case was cleared.”
Digital arrest: Psychological manipulation tactic
This case highlights the increasing use of ‘digital arrest’ as a new form of cyber fraud. In such scams, criminals impersonate law enforcement or investigative agencies to instill fear, isolate victims, and manipulate them into transferring money.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh explained, “Digital arrest is one of the most dangerous forms of social engineering. Fraudsters create an atmosphere of fear and urgency by impersonating official agencies, forcing victims to comply with illegal financial demands under psychological pressure.”
Such crimes rely more on psychological manipulation than technology. Victims are made to believe they are involved in serious criminal cases and risk immediate arrest if they fail to comply. This constant fear prevents them from verifying facts or seeking help. In many cases, victims are kept under continuous phone or video call surveillance, ensuring they remain isolated and unable to consult family members or authorities.
How to protect yourself from digital arrest scams
Cybersecurity experts strongly advise that no law enforcement agency demands money or conducts investigations over phone or video calls. Any such communication should be treated as suspicious.
Individuals are urged to disconnect immediately and verify claims through official agency contact numbers. No personal or financial information should be shared over calls, messages, or unknown links. Money should never be transferred to unfamiliar bank accounts under pressure.
