New Delhi | Cybercriminals have once again targeted residents of South Delhi’s upscale Greater Kailash area, carrying out a large-scale fraud under the guise of a so-called “digital arrest.” In the latest incident, a 70-year-old woman was allegedly kept under intense psychological pressure for nearly three days and duped of around ₹7 crore. The case has surfaced barely days after a doctor couple in the same locality reported losing ₹14 crore in an almost identical cyber scam.
According to information available, the elderly woman was contacted by fraudsters through a series of phone and video calls. The callers posed as officials from investigative agencies and convinced her that she was allegedly linked to a serious criminal case. She was warned that any attempt to speak to family members or outsiders, or failure to follow instructions, would lead to her immediate arrest.
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Under constant surveillance through calls and messages, the woman was made to believe that she was under “digital arrest,” a term increasingly used for cyber frauds in which victims are virtually isolated and kept in a state of fear. During this period, she was repeatedly instructed not to disconnect calls or seek external advice.
Over the course of three days, the fraudsters persuaded her to transfer large sums of money to multiple bank accounts, claiming it was part of a verification or legal clearance process. Using forged documents, scripted legal threats and an authoritative tone, they maintained control over the situation. Trusting the claims and acting under extreme stress, the woman reportedly transferred nearly her entire life savings.
The fraud came to light after communication with the callers abruptly stopped and doubts began to surface. A complaint was subsequently lodged, following which cybercrime units initiated an investigation. Agencies are now tracing the flow of funds, identifying beneficiary accounts and examining whether an organised network is operating behind the scam.
Preliminary findings suggest that the money was routed through several accounts in a short span of time, a tactic commonly used to complicate tracking efforts. Investigators are also analysing call records, digital footprints and transaction trails to reconstruct the sequence of events.
This is not the first such case from Greater Kailash. Earlier this month, a doctor couple residing in the same area was allegedly subjected to a prolonged “digital arrest” scam. They were reportedly threatened with fabricated court cases and false FIRs, and kept under mental pressure for nearly two weeks. Fearing legal consequences, the couple transferred a total of ₹14 crore to multiple accounts provided by the fraudsters.
Investigators believe the similarities between the two cases—ranging from the method of contact to the psychological tactics used—point to a common modus operandi. Both incidents involved impersonation of authorities, prolonged isolation of victims and repeated money transfers under the pretext of legal compliance.
The growing number of such cases has raised serious concerns over cyber safety in the capital, particularly for senior citizens. Experts note that elderly individuals are often targeted because they are more likely to trust authoritative voices and may not be fully familiar with evolving digital fraud techniques.
Cybersecurity specialists stress that no government or investigative agency conducts arrests, inquiries or financial verifications through phone or video calls, nor do they demand money transfers as part of any legal process. Victims are advised to disconnect immediately, inform family members and report the matter to cybercrime helplines or local authorities.
Another similar case has recently come under investigation, involving a 76-year-old widow from another part of Delhi who was allegedly cheated of ₹1.64 crore using comparable tactics. In that instance as well, fraudsters posed as government officials and used fabricated electronic records to extract the victim’s entire savings.
The spate of such incidents highlights a disturbing pattern in which cybercriminals are systematically exploiting fear, isolation and lack of awareness. Authorities and experts alike emphasise that public awareness, timely reporting and digital literacy—especially among senior citizens—are crucial to preventing such crimes.
Investigations in the Greater Kailash cases are ongoing, with agencies continuing efforts to trace the funds and identify those responsible. Until then, residents are being urged to remain vigilant and treat any unsolicited call involving threats, legal action or money demands as a potential cyber fraud.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
