A retired government employee and his wife fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing nearly ₹1.5 crore after being subjected to what scammers called a “digital arrest.”
The 75-year-old man was first contacted in April by someone posing as a telecom department official. Soon after, he began receiving WhatsApp calls from individuals claiming to be a Bengaluru police inspector, an Enforcement Directorate officer, and even a senior government official.
The fraudsters alleged that his bank accounts were linked to serious crimes, including human trafficking. They told him that his home was under surveillance and warned him not to leave without permission. To avoid “legal action,” the couple was instructed to transfer money for a supposed confidential investigation.
Frightened and confused, the couple transferred large sums of money in multiple installments over several weeks. Despite receiving the funds, the scammers continued to harass them, demanding more money under the pretext of an ongoing probe.
The situation came to light only after the couple confided in their daughter. She quickly recognized the scam and urged them to report it to the cybercrime police.
Authorities say such “digital arrest” scams are becoming increasingly common, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Scammers exploit fear and trust by impersonating officials and creating a sense of urgency.
Police have urged citizens to remain cautious and verify any such claims before transferring money or sharing personal details.
