An elderly couple from JP Nagar in Bengaluru became victims of a disturbing cyber scam that led to a loss of ₹4.7 crore. The couple, aged 77 and 75, were psychologically manipulated and confined within their home for nearly two months by criminals posing as government officials.

The fraud began on March 19, when the impostors contacted the victims, claiming they were being investigated in connection with a money laundering case. The couple was falsely informed that a Supreme Court warrant had been issued against them. Using forged legal documents and official-sounding threats, the scammers intimidated the couple into believing they would face arrest if they contacted anyone or stepped outside.

The elderly pair were coerced into complete isolation. Their phones and communications were closely monitored by the criminals, and over a span of nearly 60 days, they were tricked into transferring massive sums of money across various accounts under the pretense of legal compliance.

The deception came to light only after a concerned individual alerted authorities. Bengaluru police tracked the victims’ location and swiftly moved in to rescue them. A formal complaint was filed by the husband, referred to as Karthik (name changed), a retired professional with international work experience.

Law enforcement has since registered a case under the Information Technology Act and related sections. Officials warn that these “digital arrest” scams are increasingly targeting senior citizens, exploiting their fear and unfamiliarity with tech-based fraud.