In a major relief amid the growing threat of cybercrime, vigilant bankers and mutual fund officials in Ahmedabad foiled three separate “digital arrest” scams, saving elderly residents from losing a combined ₹2.21 crore to cyber fraudsters, police said.
Seniors trapped under psychological pressure
Police officials said the three victims, all above 65 years of age, were subjected to intense psychological manipulation by scammers posing as law enforcement or government officials. The fraudsters allegedly used threats of arrest, fabricated legal cases and continuous video calls to terrify the victims into urgently withdrawing or transferring their life savings.
Investigators noted that the victims were so deeply manipulated that they began distrusting even real police officers. In two cases, the fear escalated to physical resistance when officers tried to intervene, with one senior citizen reportedly biting a policeman while insisting the police were part of the scam.
Alert bankers spot red flags
A common pattern across all three incidents was the urgent demand to move unusually large sums to unfamiliar bank accounts. This raised immediate red flags for bank managers and investment professionals, who alerted the cybercrime cell in time.
In the first case, a 71-year-old man from Ghatlodia withdrew ₹93 lakh from mutual fund investments and prematurely broke a fixed deposit worth ₹50 lakh. When he attempted to transfer the entire amount, mutual fund professional Palak Doshi sensed a scam and contacted police. Swift action ensured ₹1.43 crore was secured before it could be transferred.
Timely intervention averts losses
In the second incident, a 65-year-old resident of the Satellite area broke a fixed deposit of ₹45 lakh and attempted to transfer it to a bank account in Odisha. The unusual urgency prompted bank manager Jayesh Gandhi to halt the transaction and alert authorities, helping the victim realise he was being scammed.
The third case involved a former coach of the Indian women’s cricket team who visited a bank in Maninagar to transfer ₹33.35 lakh. Branch manager Abhishek Singh noticed she remained on a video call throughout the transaction — a known hallmark of digital arrest scams — and informed the police. After hours of counselling, the victim understood the deception and avoided financial loss.
Police issue warning
Officials from the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell said such scams are increasingly targeting elderly people living alone. Victims are often instructed to isolate themselves, avoid family contact and stay on constant video calls under “virtual surveillance”.
Authorities have urged banks and financial institutions to remain on high alert and immediately inform police when customers insist on withdrawing or transferring entire savings under visible distress