In yet another alarming case of cyber fraud involving the so-called “digital arrest” tactic, fraudsters posing as officials from national security agencies allegedly cheated an elderly man out of ₹5 lakh in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur district. The scammers reportedly kept the victim and his wife under virtual surveillance through WhatsApp calls for nearly two days, using fear and intimidation to convince them that they were under investigation in a terrorism-related case.
Terror Case Claim Sparks Panic
According to the complaint, the victim, Dhanushdhari Tiwari, a resident of Chautara Tiwari village in the Belghat area, received a phone call in February from a person claiming to be an officer of a national investigative agency. The caller alleged that Tiwari’s Aadhaar details had been used to open a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed that the account had links to a person arrested in a terrorism case.
The fraudster further warned that Tiwari would have to appear before investigators for questioning. When the elderly man expressed his inability to travel on short notice, another individual contacted him, introducing himself as an officer from an anti-terrorism unit. What followed was a carefully orchestrated intimidation campaign designed to create panic and force compliance.
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Victim Kept Under Virtual Surveillance
The callers allegedly told the victim that the matter involved national security and instructed him not to discuss the issue with anyone. Through continuous WhatsApp calls and monitoring, they created an atmosphere of fear and urgency. The victim and his wife were reportedly told to remain available at all times and avoid contacting family members or friends while the “investigation” was underway.
Cyber investigators believe the fraudsters used a classic digital arrest strategy, a rapidly growing form of cybercrime in which criminals impersonate law-enforcement or government officials and falsely claim that the victim is involved in serious crimes such as money laundering, terrorism financing, narcotics trafficking, or financial fraud.
Forged Documents Deepen Deception
To strengthen their deception, the scammers allegedly informed Tiwari that he would need to deposit a “security amount” until the investigation was completed. They assured him that the money would be returned once his name was cleared. Under immense psychological pressure and fearing legal consequences, the victim reportedly broke his fixed deposit and arranged the demanded funds.
The money, amounting to ₹5 lakh, was transferred to a bank account provided by the fraudsters. Soon afterward, the victim received documents purportedly carrying Government of India seals and a receipt allegedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India. These forged documents reinforced the family’s belief that the process was genuine and officially sanctioned.
However, the deception began to unravel when all communication suddenly stopped. The phone numbers used by the alleged officials became unreachable, and the promised refund never materialized. Realizing that they had been defrauded, the family approached the cybercrime helpline and lodged a formal complaint with authorities.
Investigation Underway
Investigators are now examining bank accounts, mobile numbers, digital communication records, and transaction trails linked to the fraud. Electronic evidence, including WhatsApp interactions and financial records, is being analyzed to identify the individuals behind the operation and determine whether the case is connected to a larger cybercrime network.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest scams have emerged as one of the most effective social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals. According to him, fraudsters exploit fear by impersonating agencies such as the police, CBI, NIA, ED, or ATS and fabricate criminal allegations to pressure victims into transferring money.
Experts repeatedly emphasize that no legitimate government agency conducts arrests, investigations, or financial verifications through WhatsApp calls, video conferencing, or private bank transfers. Citizens are advised to immediately disconnect such calls, independently verify any claims through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 without delay.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say further action will be taken based on digital evidence and financial tracking results.
