In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, a 94-year-old research scholar from Bengaluru was allegedly cheated of nearly ₹5 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam that continued for 69 days.

The complaint was filed on March 8 at the East Division Cyber Crime Police Station by the victim, identified as Visakan (name changed), a resident of Victoria Layout in Richmond Town.

According to the complaint, the fraud began on December 2 when the elderly scholar received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and accused the victim of being linked to a human trafficking case registered in Ballari.

Fraudsters impersonated central agency officials

Soon after the initial call, another individual contacted the victim claiming to be Sandeep Rao from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and informed him that the alleged case had been transferred to the central agency.

To make their story appear authentic, the fraudsters conducted WhatsApp video calls and asked the victim to send a copy of his Aadhaar card. They also shared a fake FIR document, which made the accusations appear official.

During several video calls, the victim reportedly saw people dressed in police uniforms sitting inside a room arranged to resemble a CBI office, further convincing him that the case was genuine.

‘Digital arrest’ used to pressure victim

The scammers then placed the elderly man under what they described as a “digital arrest”, warning him not to discuss the matter with anyone while the investigation was ongoing.

They repeatedly told him that the alleged case was serious and pending before the Supreme Court of India, creating fear and urgency.

At the same time, the fraudsters pretended to help resolve the matter if the victim followed their instructions.

Believing the claims, the victim shared his bank account details and began transferring money as directed.

₹4.9 crore transferred in multiple transactions

Between December 17 and February 23, the victim transferred more than ₹4.9 crore through RTGS bank transactions to several accounts provided by the fraudsters.

The transfers included ₹92 lakh from a joint account with his spouse, followed by ₹76 lakh, over ₹1 crore, ₹57 lakh, ₹23 lakh, and ₹1.3 crore.

The fraud continued until the victim’s savings were completely exhausted.

Scam exposed by friend

When the fraudsters demanded additional money, the victim approached a friend to borrow funds. After hearing the entire situation, the friend realised it was likely a cyber scam and alerted the victim.

Investigators also noted that the victim’s wife, a scientist, had been hospitalised during this period, which may have contributed to his vulnerability during the prolonged fraud.

Police investigation underway

Following the complaint, cyber crime police have launched an investigation into the case.

Officials are currently working to trace and freeze the transferred funds across multiple bank accounts believed to be linked to the suspects.

Authorities have also urged citizens, particularly senior citizens, to remain cautious and report suspicious calls claiming to be from government agencies.