In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an elderly woman in Kanpur was “digitally arrested” for six days and cheated of ₹21 lakh by fraudsters posing as senior police officials.
The accused allegedly impersonated law enforcement authorities and used threats of terrorism charges and arrest to coerce the victim into transferring money.
Fraudsters posed as police officials
According to the complaint, the victim received a call from a man claiming to be a senior police officer, who alleged that her name had surfaced in a terror-related investigation linked to Gujarat.
The caller threatened that she would be arrested, jailed, and her property sealed, creating panic and fear.
To make the scam appear legitimate, the fraudsters forced her to join video calls where individuals posed as officials, reinforcing the illusion of an ongoing investigation.
Victim kept under “digital arrest”
The fraudsters told the woman that she was under “digital arrest” and must remain under constant surveillance.
She was instructed to:
- Keep her mobile camera switched on at all times
- Avoid contacting anyone
- Stay inside her house until the “investigation” was complete
Out of fear, the victim complied and remained isolated for several days, effectively under psychological confinement.
₹21 lakh transferred in multiple transactions
During this period, the accused convinced her to transfer money under the pretext of “verification” and “clearing her name.”
Police said the victim transferred approximately ₹21 lakh from her bank account through multiple transactions, including RTGS payments.
The woman had recently deposited funds from the sale of property, which made her a target for the fraudsters.
Fraud uncovered after contact broke
The scam came to light only after the fraudsters stopped contacting her. Upon sharing the incident with an acquaintance, the victim realised she had been cheated and approached the police.
A case has been registered, and the cybercrime unit has begun efforts to trace the accused and recover the money.
Rising threat of “digital arrest” scams
Officials have warned that such cases are part of a growing trend where cybercriminals:
- Impersonate police or government officials
- Accuse victims of serious crimes
- Use fear and urgency to extract money
- Keep victims isolated to prevent verification
Authorities have reiterated that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests or investigations through video calls or demands money for verification.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
