An elderly couple in Chandigarh lost more than Rs 2.15 crore after fraudsters subjected them to a 15-day “digital arrest” scam, exposing how cybercriminals continue to exploit fear and isolation to target vulnerable victims.
The couple, both retired bank employees, reportedly received a phone call from a man claiming to be an officer from a central investigative agency. The caller accused them of being linked to serious crimes, including money laundering and drug trafficking, and warned that they could face immediate arrest if they failed to cooperate.
What followed was a prolonged campaign of intimidation. The fraudsters kept the couple under constant surveillance through phone and video calls, instructing them not to discuss the matter with family members, friends, or neighbours. The scammers repeatedly warned that any attempt to contact others could worsen the alleged case against them.
Fearing legal action and public humiliation, the couple complied with the fraudsters’ instructions. They initially transferred money from their personal savings accounts. As the demands increased, they arranged additional funds from relatives and sold gold jewellery accumulated over the years. Each transfer was presented as a necessary step to verify their accounts or secure their release from the supposed investigation.
According to police, the fraud continued for nearly two weeks. The scam finally unravelled when the callers allegedly instructed the couple to mortgage their home and obtain a bank loan. Realising something was wrong, they refused to comply. Shortly afterwards, all communication from the fraudsters ceased.
The victims later informed their family members and approached the cyber police in Chandigarh’s Sector 17. A case has been registered against unidentified individuals, and investigators are tracing the bank accounts, transaction records, and phone numbers used in the fraud.
Police officials said such scams, commonly known as “digital arrest” frauds, rely heavily on psychological pressure. Fraudsters often impersonate police officers, CBI officials, customs officers, or other government authorities to convince victims that they are under investigation. They then isolate victims from their support networks and manipulate them into transferring money under the pretext of verification, security deposits, or legal settlements.
Authorities have once again clarified that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests through phone or video calls, nor do government officials ask citizens to transfer money to avoid legal action. People receiving such calls are advised to disconnect immediately, verify claims through official channels, and report the incident to the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
