Mumbai Police Roll Out Awareness Drive Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams for Seniors

The 420 Team
2 Min Read


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Mumbai is witnessing a rising tide of online scams targeting senior citizens, where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials, promise digital arrests, and demand huge transfers. In 2025 alone, over 121 seniors in Mumbai reportedly fell prey to these schemes, suffering losses amounting to nearly ₹101 crore. In response, the city’s cyber crime branch has launched a major awareness campaign aimed at protecting elderly residents from such frauds.

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Door-to-Door Awareness Initiative

The campaign involves cyber police teams visiting housing societies across the city, particularly those with high elderly populations. Officers distribute pamphlets in Marathi and English, conduct interactive sessions, and explain how the scams operate — from fake CBI/ED notices to bogus investment schemes. One zone alone saw visits to 847 seniors. The message is clear: no genuine law enforcement agency conducts a “digital arrest” and victims should not transfer money or share OTPs on video calls.

Empowerment Through Education

Senior citizens are being urged to remain alert: verify any unusual calls, never click on suspicious links, and always consult family or trusted contacts before acting. Telecom helpline numbers and the national cybercrime portal are also being publicised for immediate support. With this proactive move, Mumbai’s cyber-police hope to turn the tide and make seniors less vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber-fraud techniques.