Cyber Crime
Spine-Chilling ‘Digital Arrest’: Elderly Woman Duped of Rs 20 Crore Over 68 Days
Mumbai has witnessed one of the most shocking cases of digital arrest, where an 86-year-old woman fell victim to cybercriminals and was manipulated into transferring over Rs 20.25 crore over 68 days. This is being called India’s longest digital arrest scam, raising serious concerns about the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting senior citizens.
Fraudsters Posed as Police Officers
The scam began on December 26, 2024, and continued until March 3, 2025. The fraudsters impersonated police officers and contacted the woman, falsely accusing her of involvement in money laundering. They claimed that a bank account was opened in her name using her Aadhaar card and was being used for illegal transactions.
To make their scam more convincing, they digitally arrested her—making her believe that she was under constant police surveillance and could not communicate with anyone. Under immense fear and pressure, she transferred money to the fraudsters in multiple installments, amounting to Rs 20.25 crore.
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Crackdown on the Fraudsters
Mumbai Police have so far arrested three individuals linked to the scam. One of them is reportedly a member of an international cyber fraud syndicate. Investigations revealed that the accused operated through a Telegram group, where they shared details of high-value Indian bank accounts to identify and target potential victims. Authorities believe the gang had plans to scam more Indian citizens.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
Cases of digital arrest scams are on the rise, where criminals manipulate victims through video calls, fabricated accusations, and psychological pressure. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:
✅ Stay calm and do not panic.
✅ Immediately disconnect the call and avoid engaging with the scammers.
✅ Do not transfer money under any pressure or threats.
✅ Report the incident immediately on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930.
In this case, the victim ultimately filed a complaint after realizing she had been scammed. Authorities urge citizens to be aware and cautious to prevent falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.