Lucknow: An 85-year-old retired treasury official was allegedly duped of ₹84.5 lakh in a chilling case of cyber fraud, where scammers impersonated senior police and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officials to place him under a prolonged “digital arrest” through fear and intimidation.
According to a report from The Times of India, the victim, identified as Badanuddin Ansari from Lucknow, received a call on March 7 from a man posing as a senior police officer. The caller falsely claimed that Ansari’s name had surfaced in a money laundering case linked to Pune, Maharashtra, and alleged that an unauthorised bank account had been opened in his name for illegal transactions.
To make their claims appear credible, the fraudsters sent forged documents via messaging platforms, purportedly issued by agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Supreme Court of India, and the Reserve Bank of India. Over the next 27 days, multiple individuals posing as ATS officials maintained constant contact with the victim through video and voice calls, warning him of immediate arrest if he disconnected or informed anyone.
Investigators said the sustained psychological pressure effectively trapped the elderly man in a state of fear, creating the illusion of being under “digital arrest.” Fearing legal consequences, Ansari transferred ₹84.5 lakh in multiple transactions between March 11 and April 6 to bank accounts provided by the accused.
The victim, reportedly shaken by the ordeal, approached authorities nearly three weeks after the final transaction. Police have since registered an FIR and initiated an investigation. Officials confirmed that around ₹27 lakh has been frozen in accounts linked to the fraud, while efforts are underway to trace the culprits using digital evidence.
Cyber experts and police officials have reiterated that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests or investigations via video calls. Scammers often use pressure tactics, secrecy, and threats of legal action to manipulate victims into compliance.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious of unsolicited calls claiming legal trouble, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and immediately disconnect if pressured or threatened. Citizens are encouraged to verify such claims independently and report incidents to the national cybercrime helpline or official portal without delay.
