Introduction
A shocking case of cyber fraud has come to light in Mumbai, where an 86-year-old woman from South Mumbai was duped of over Rs 20 crore in two months. The fraudsters, posing as CBI officers, tricked her into believing that she was involved in a money laundering case, making her pay the hefty amount. Three persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
What is ‘digital arrest’ fraud?
Cybercriminals are now using a new technique called “digital arrest”, where they impersonate law enforcement officials and scare victims through phone or video calls. The victims are made to believe that they are under investigation and should follow instructions to avoid legal trouble.
How the fraud unfolded
- The elderly woman received a call from a man who claimed to be a CBI officer.
- She was falsely informed that the bank account linked to her Aadhaar card was frozen. laundering.
- The caller warned her of a “digital arrest” and threatened to arrest her children.
- The fraudsters forced her to stay in their house for two months, monitoring her location through constant calls.
Extortion and financial loss
The criminals convinced the woman to transfer Rs 20.26 crore in two months. They gave several reasons such as legal fees and removal of her name from the investigation and even promised to return the money after the “investigation”.
How the scam was exposed
A domestic help noticed the victim’s unusual behaviour, such as staying in her room for long hours and talking aggressively on the phone. Concerned, the maid informed the woman’s daughter, which led to the matter being reported to the authorities.
Police investigation and arrests
Following the investigation, the Mumbai cyber police traced transactions in various bank accounts, resulting in the arrest of three persons:
- Shayan Jameel Sheikh (20) – Rs 4.99 lakh came into his account, which he withdrew and gave to another fraudster.
- Razik Azaan Butt (20) – Another key suspect linked to an international cyber fraud network.
- Hritik Shekhar Thakur (25) – Rs 9 lakh came, which he later withdrew.
The police have also identified additional suspects and issued notices under relevant legal provisions.
Impact of the ‘Digital Arrest’ scam
- Financial devastation: Victims lose lifelong savings, as seen in this case.
- Psychological trauma: Constant threats and isolation cause extreme stress.
- Lack of trust: Many elderly people, after experiencing such frauds, start distrusting the real authorities.
How to protect yourself from cyber fraud
Recognize the red flags
- Unsolicited calls: No law enforcement agency initiates legal process over a phone call.
- Threats and intimidation: Real authorities do not immediately threaten arrest or demand money.
- Requests for personal information: Never share banking details or Aadhaar information over the phone.
Preventive measures
- Verify the caller’s identity: If someone claims to be from a government agency, request official confirmation.
- Report suspicious calls: If you receive threatening calls, contact cyber crime authorities.
- Educate vulnerable individuals: Elderly family members should be made aware of such scams.
- Monitor bank accounts: Keep a close watch on transactions and report unauthorized activities.
- Use strong security measures: Enable two-factor authentication and be cautious about sharing sensitive information.
Legal action against cyber criminals
The Mumbai Cyber Police has taken prompt action by freezing Rs 77 lakh of the defrauded amount. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are working on identifying the international connections of the fraudsters.
Conclusion
The case of the 86-year-old woman from Mumbai is a reminder of how cyber fraudsters exploit fear to dupe innocent people. Awareness and vigilance are key to prevent such scams. If you or someone you know faces a similar situation, report it to the cyber police immediately.