Ghaziabad | A chilling case of cyber fraud has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district, where an elderly couple was psychologically coerced into parting with ₹2.86 crore under the guise of a so-called “digital arrest.” The incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime networks and the misuse of law enforcement identities to intimidate unsuspecting citizens.
According to police officials, the victims—both around 70 years of age—reside in Ghaziabad’s Raj Nagar locality. Cybercriminals allegedly kept the couple under continuous surveillance and intimidation for 12 days, extracting their entire life savings through a carefully orchestrated fraud.
A Landline Call That Triggered the Scam
The victims told investigators that the fraud began on November 13, when they received a call on their landline phone. The caller, a woman, claimed to be an employee of a telecom service provider and alleged that an illegal SIM card registered in the victim’s name was being used in Mumbai for criminal activities.
Within minutes, the call was transferred to individuals posing as officers from the Maharashtra Police, significantly escalating the couple’s fear and confusion.
Impersonation of CBI and Government Counsel
The fraudsters then introduced themselves as senior officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), including a Deputy Superintendent of Police, along with a supposed government prosecutor. They warned the couple that they were under investigation for money laundering and other serious financial crimes.
The victims were told the matter was part of a “confidential probe” and were strictly instructed not to inform anyone, including family members or neighbours. From November 14 to November 26, the couple was placed under what the fraudsters described as “digital arrest,” during which they were compelled to remain available for video calls every few hours to prove their compliance.
Forced Liquidation of Fixed Deposits and Mutual Funds
Fearing arrest, public humiliation and legal consequences, the elderly couple complied with every instruction. They prematurely broke their fixed deposits and redeemed investments from mutual funds, transferring the proceeds as directed by the fraudsters.
Under the pretext of a “forensic audit”, the money was routed into what the criminals claimed was an RBI-linked escrow account. Subsequent investigation revealed that the account was entirely fake and operated by the fraud network.
Realisation After 12 Days, FIR Filed
After days of mounting stress and financial loss, the couple realised they had been deceived. On December 6, they approached the Ghaziabad Cyber Police, where an FIR was registered.
Police have since launched a detailed investigation, analysing bank transaction trails, call detail records (CDRs) and digital footprints to identify the perpetrators. Officials indicated that the money trail suggests the involvement of inter-state and possibly international cybercrime syndicates.
Police Issue Public Warning
In the wake of the incident, Ghaziabad Police have issued a strong advisory to the public. Senior officers emphasised that no legitimate law enforcement or investigative agency conducts arrests, interrogations or financial verifications through video calls.
Police urged citizens to:
- Treat threatening calls with extreme caution
- Independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from the police, CBI or courts
- Immediately report suspicious calls or video interactions to local police or cyber helplines
‘Digital Arrest’ Emerges as a New Cybercrime Tactic
Law enforcement officials noted that “digital arrest” has become a dangerous new pattern in cyber fraud, relying heavily on psychological intimidation rather than technical hacking. Elderly individuals and those less familiar with digital processes are particularly vulnerable.
“This case underlines how cybercrime has evolved beyond technical deception to include sustained mental coercion,” a senior officer said. Authorities are now examining wider digital trails to dismantle the network behind the fraud.
The Ghaziabad incident serves as a stark reminder that fear, urgency and impersonation remain the most potent tools of cybercriminals—and that public awareness remains the strongest line of defence.
