A Bengaluru-based software professional was cheated of nearly ₹2 crore after cyber fraudsters psychologically trapped her in what is now being described as a “digital arrest” scam.

The victim, Babita Das, was working with a software company and lived with her 10-year-old son in a flat at Vignan Nagar in east Bengaluru. In June, she received a phone call from a man claiming to be a courier official, who alleged that a suspicious parcel linked to her Aadhaar card had been seized.

Within minutes, the call was transferred to people posing as Mumbai Police officers, creating an atmosphere of fear and urgency.

Fake police threats and isolation tactics

The callers told the woman she was under investigation for serious offences and warned that she could be arrested at any moment. She was instructed not to step out of her house until “verification” was completed.

The fraudsters asked her to install a specific mobile application, which they claimed was required for official monitoring. They also issued repeated threats, warning that her minor son could face consequences if she did not cooperate fully.

Police say such tactics are designed to isolate victims, cut off outside advice, and exert continuous psychological pressure.

Forced sale of home and land

Fearing for her child’s safety and future, the techie complied with the demands. She sold two residential plots in Malur at distress prices and later sold her Vignan Nagar flat as well.

The entire proceeds from the property sales were transferred to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. In addition, she took a bank loan and transferred that amount too.

In total, she lost close to ₹2 crore.

Sudden silence and police complaint

After draining her finances, the fraudsters told her to approach a nearby police station to “retrieve” the money. Soon after, all calls were abruptly cut and the numbers were switched off.

Realising she had been cheated, the woman filed a complaint at the Whitefield Cyber Crime Police Station. An investigation has been launched to trace the money trail and identify those behind the scam.

Police warning to the public

Cyber crime officials have once again warned citizens that no police agency conducts arrests, interrogations, or financial verifications over video calls or messaging apps.

People are urged to immediately contact local police or dial the cyber crime helpline if they receive such calls