In one of the city’s most alarming cyber fraud cases, a 60-year-old homemaker from Bommanahalli lost Rs 98.4 lakh after being trapped in a prolonged ‘digital arrest’ scam orchestrated by fraudsters posing as police and cybercrime officials.
According to the complaint, the ordeal began on March 18 when the woman received a call from a person claiming to be a Delhi Police officer. The caller alleged that her identity documents had been linked to money laundering and other criminal activities.
Fraudsters used fear to control victim
The woman was subsequently connected through WhatsApp to another individual who introduced himself as a senior police officer. The fraudsters allegedly claimed that a Supreme Court warrant had been issued against her and warned her against disclosing the matter to anyone.
To maintain pressure, another accused remained in regular contact, demanding updates on her daily activities and insisting that all communication remain confidential.
Fearing arrest and legal action, the victim complied with their instructions.
Gold pledged, savings transferred
The fraudsters convinced the woman that her bank accounts were under investigation and directed her to transfer money for verification purposes. Over nearly two months, she transferred substantial amounts across multiple transactions.
Police said the woman was also pressured into pledging her gold jewellery, converting it into cash and transferring the proceeds to accounts controlled by the fraud network.
In total, she lost Rs 98.4 lakh before her family became aware of the situation on June 5.
Police begin detailed probe
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are tracing bank accounts, mobile numbers and digital transaction records linked to the fraud.
Cybercrime experts have reiterated that no police agency, court or government department conducts investigations through WhatsApp calls or demands money transfers for verification purposes.