A 62-year-old farmer in Karnataka lost Rs 1.31 crore to fraudsters posing as police in an alleged digital arrest fraud case.
How Was the Farmer Targeted?
A 62-year-old farmer from Puttur taluk in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district was allegedly cheated of Rs 1,31,50,000 by cybercriminals impersonating Mumbai Police and Anti-Terrorism Squad officers.
According to police, the fraudsters contacted the farmer and falsely accused him of transferring money to an individual allegedly involved in the Pahalgam terror attack.
The accused used these allegations to intimidate the farmer and convince him that he was facing serious criminal proceedings.
FCRF Launches CP-FRM to Build India’s Next Generation of Fraud Risk Professionals
How Long Was He Kept Under Digital Arrest?
Police said the farmer was subjected to an alleged digital arrest from September 2 to October 6, 2026. During this period, the accused repeatedly threatened him through WhatsApp video calls and pressured him to comply with their instructions.
The fraudsters allegedly claimed that financial transactions were necessary to verify his bank accounts and establish that his money was legitimate. Believing their claims, the farmer followed the instructions and transferred funds to accounts specified by the accused.
How Was Rs 1.31 Crore Transferred?
According to the police complaint, the farmer transferred Rs 1,31,50,000 through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transactions. The money was deposited into various bank accounts identified by the fraudsters during the alleged digital arrest period.
Investigators said the transfers were made after the accused convinced the farmer that verification of his financial records was necessary. The complaint indicates that the fraud involved sustained intimidation rather than a single fraudulent transaction.
What Action Have Police Taken?
After realising that he had been cheated, the farmer contacted the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, and lodged a complaint. The Dakshina Kannada Cyber Crime Police Station subsequently registered a case under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police confirmed that further investigation was underway. Details regarding arrests or recovery of the transferred money were not provided.
How Do Digital Arrest Scams Operate?
Digital arrest scams typically involve criminals impersonating police officers or government officials and falsely accusing individuals of involvement in serious offences. Victims are intimidated through video or audio calls and pressured to transfer money, supposedly to verify their funds or establish their innocence.
The Dakshina Kannada case illustrates how impersonation, allegations involving serious crimes and prolonged psychological pressure can be used to obtain substan
tial sums through fraudulent bank transfers.
Follow for daily updates on cybercrime, corporate fraud, DFIR, hacking, investigations, and digital forensics
