Mangaluru: A 64-year-old man from Mangaluru has lost Rs 31 lakh in a sophisticated “digital arrest” cyber fraud after fraudsters posing as officials from the Data Protection Board of India and a cyber investigation agency allegedly coerced him into transferring money by falsely accusing him of being involved in criminal activities.

A case has been registered at the CEN Crime Police Station, and police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Fraudsters posed as government officials

According to the complaint, the victim received a phone call on July 15 from an unidentified person who introduced himself as R.K. Chowdhary, claiming to be an official of the Data Protection Board of India.

The caller alleged that a new SIM card had been fraudulently issued in the complainant’s name and was being used to send obscene messages and videos to children. The fraudster further claimed that around 20 complaints had been registered against the victim, creating fear and panic.

The call was then allegedly transferred to another individual who identified himself as an officer from the Mumbai Cyber Cell, claiming to represent a national investigation agency. He informed the victim that an FIR had been registered against him and that multiple criminal cases were pending against him in different states.

Victim threatened with arrest

Later the same day, the complainant received a video call from another person identifying himself as Sanjay, who repeated the allegations and claimed that criminal cases had been registered against him.

On July 16, the victim received another video call during which the fraudsters allegedly collected details of his bank accounts, assets and financial holdings.

The following day, they falsely informed him that an arrest warrant had been issued in his name and instructed him to transfer Rs 3.80 lakh to a designated bank account as part of a so-called verification process.

Believing the claims to be genuine, the victim transferred the amount through RTGS.

Gold pledged to arrange more money

The fraud did not end there. On July 18, the accused allegedly contacted the victim again through WhatsApp and instructed him to pledge his gold jewellery and transfer the loan amount to another bank account.

Following their directions, the complainant pledged his gold ornaments on July 20, secured a loan of Rs 29 lakh, and transferred Rs 27.20 lakh to the account provided by the fraudsters.

Altogether, the victim transferred Rs 31 lakh, believing he was complying with official instructions to avoid arrest.

It was only later that he realised he had been deceived in what is commonly known as a “digital arrest” scam.

Police register case

After discovering the fraud, the victim approached the police and lodged a complaint.

Based on the complaint, the CEN Crime Police Station registered a case and initiated an investigation to trace those involved in the cyber fraud.

Police are examining the bank accounts used in the transactions, mobile numbers involved in the scam and other digital evidence to identify the accused.

Police caution public against ‘digital arrest’ scams

Cybercrime investigators have repeatedly warned the public that no government agency, police department or investigative authority conducts arrests or investigations through video calls or asks people to transfer money for verification or to avoid legal action.

Citizens are advised not to share personal or banking information with unknown callers and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government department. Those receiving suspicious calls should disconnect immediately and report the matter to the nearest police station or the National Cyber Crime Helpline.

Conclusion

The latest case highlights the growing threat posed by “digital arrest” scams, in which fraudsters exploit fear by impersonating law enforcement and government officials. Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify any such claims before transferring money or sharing sensitive financial information.