The cybercrime wing of Kochi city police has recovered over ₹1 crore that was fraudulently taken from an 81-year-old man in a “digital arrest” scam, highlighting the growing threat of cybercriminals impersonating law-enforcement officials to extort money.
According to police officials, the elderly victim was duped of around ₹1.30 crore after fraudsters contacted him posing as law-enforcement authorities and threatened him with legal action, coercing him to transfer large sums of money.
How the digital arrest scam unfolded
The fraud took place in November last year, when the scammers allegedly convinced the victim that he was involved in a criminal investigation.
Using intimidation tactics commonly seen in digital arrest scams, the fraudsters pressured the victim to transfer funds under the pretext of clearing his name and avoiding arrest.
In such scams, criminals typically impersonate officials from agencies such as the police, CBI, or other enforcement bodies and create panic by falsely claiming that the victim’s bank account, phone number, or identity is linked to illegal activities.
Under pressure and fear of legal consequences, the victim transferred approximately ₹1.30 crore to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
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Police freeze funds and recover money
After the victim reported the fraud, Kochi cyber police launched an investigation and traced the financial trail.
Authorities were able to freeze the defrauded funds in a bank account located in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling them to recover more than ₹1 crore of the stolen money.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of senior police officials as part of an effort to track and recover proceeds of cybercrime.
Growing threat of digital arrest scams
Investigators said digital arrest scams have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly targeting senior citizens.
In these schemes, fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement officials and falsely accuse victims of crimes such as money laundering or illegal financial transactions. Victims are then forced to transfer money while being told they are under “digital surveillance” or “virtual custody.”
Cybercrime experts warn that these scams rely heavily on psychological pressure, fear, and impersonation of authority figures.
Police urge immediate reporting
Police officials stressed that prompt reporting is crucial in cyber fraud cases, as early intervention increases the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions and recovering stolen funds.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from law-enforcement agencies and to report suspicious activity immediately through the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or the official cybercrime reporting portal.
Investigations into the scam and the individuals involved are ongoing.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
