New Delhi: HDFC Bank employees at a branch in Rohini, Delhi, reportedly prevented a suspected digital arrest scam involving ₹1.12 crore after noticing unusual behaviour by an elderly couple who were attempting to transfer a large sum of money.
The couple had approached the bank to liquidate fixed deposits worth ₹1.12 crore and transfer the proceeds to an unknown third-party bank account. However, branch employees became suspicious after noticing that the customers appeared anxious and were continuously communicating with someone through a video call.
The person on the video call was allegedly monitoring the couple and instructing them throughout the transaction. Recognising possible signs of coercion, bank employees intervened and spoke with the customers before the transfer could be completed.
How the ₹1.12 Crore Digital Arrest Scam Was Allegedly Planned
According to details of the incident, the fraudsters allegedly posed as police officials and used a fabricated arrest warrant to intimidate the elderly couple.
The scammers reportedly claimed that the couple’s bank account had been linked to a money-laundering investigation. They allegedly threatened them with arrest and instructed them to liquidate their fixed deposits and transfer the entire ₹1.12 crore to a third-party account.
The couple allegedly remained connected with the fraudsters over a video call while visiting the bank, allowing the suspects to monitor their actions and provide instructions remotely.
Algoritha Security Launches ‘Make in India’ Cyber Lab for Educational Institutions
Why Did the Bank Employees Become Suspicious?
The unusual behaviour of the customers reportedly alerted employees at the Rohini branch.
The couple appeared distressed and were continuously communicating with an unknown person over a video call while attempting to carry out a high-value transaction. The fact that the money was being transferred to a third-party account reportedly added to the concerns of the bank staff.
Instead of processing the transaction immediately, employees spoke with the couple and explained that the circumstances were consistent with a possible cyber fraud.
The intervention prevented the ₹1.12 crore from being transferred to the suspected fraudsters.
Bank staff also reportedly helped the couple block the phone numbers being used by the scammers and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?
A digital arrest scam is a type of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate police officers, government officials, investigators or other authorities and falsely tell victims that they are involved in a criminal case.
Fraudsters may claim that a victim’s Aadhaar details, mobile number or bank account has been connected to offences such as money laundering, drug trafficking or financial fraud.
They may then use fabricated documents, fake arrest warrants and video calls to make the threat appear genuine.
One of the defining features of these scams is psychological pressure. Victims may be instructed to remain connected to the suspects for hours or days and follow instructions while being threatened with arrest or other legal consequences.
Can Police Arrest Someone Through a Video Call?
No. A video call is not a legal mechanism for placing someone under arrest. People should be extremely cautious if someone claiming to be a police officer or government official says they must remain on a video call, conduct a financial transaction or transfer money to demonstrate their innocence.
A demand to transfer money to a personal or third-party bank account as part of a supposed investigation is a major warning sign.
People who receive such calls should independently verify the claim by contacting the relevant police department or government agency through an officially published contact number rather than using a number provided by the caller.
Why Are Elderly People Targeted in Digital Arrest Scams?
Digital arrest frauds often rely more on social engineering and fear than on sophisticated hacking. Fraudsters exploit the authority associated with police, courts, regulators and government agencies to make victims comply with their instructions.
Elderly people may be particularly vulnerable when scammers create a convincing story involving legal proceedings, official documents and threats of immediate arrest.
The scammers can also isolate victims psychologically by instructing them not to speak to family members or bank employees. Continuous video surveillance can further reinforce the impression that the victim is actually under investigation.
How Can You Recognise a Digital Arrest Scam?
Common warning signs include:
- A caller claiming to be a police or government official and accusing you of a crime.
- Threats of immediate arrest if you disconnect the call.
- Instructions to remain continuously connected through a video call.
- Requests to transfer money for “verification”, “security”, “bail” or investigation purposes.
- Fake arrest warrants, government IDs or official-looking documents sent through WhatsApp.
- Instructions to keep the conversation secret from family members or bank staff.
- Demands to liquidate fixed deposits or other investments and transfer the money to an unfamiliar account.
Any combination of these signs should be treated as a potential cyber fraud.
Bank Employees Can Help Stop Financial Fraud
The Rohini incident also highlights the role that bank employees can play in preventing high-value cyber fraud.
Frontline staff may be able to identify warning signs that are not immediately visible in a digital transaction, including a customer’s distress, unusual instructions, third-party influence or an attempt to transfer a large amount under pressure.
In this case, the employees’ intervention reportedly stopped the ₹1.12 crore transfer before the suspected fraudsters could receive the money.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Digital Arrest Call?
Anyone who receives a suspicious call threatening arrest should not transfer money or share banking credentials, OTPs or other sensitive information.
The call should be ended and the alleged identity of the caller independently verified through official channels. If money has already been transferred, the victim should report the incident immediately through India’s cybercrime helpline 1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
The Rohini case remains an example of how timely intervention can prevent substantial financial losses. The incident also underlines the importance of questioning any demand to transfer money under the supervision of someone claiming to be a police officer or government official.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
