Mangaluru: A 75-year-old woman from Mangaluru has allegedly lost Rs 2 crore after falling victim to a ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud, in which callers reportedly posed as police and CBI officials and accused her of involvement in serious criminal activities.
A case has been registered at the Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police Station, and an investigation is underway to identify the fraudsters and trace the money transferred by the victim.
Fraudster poses as Mumbai police officer
According to the complaint, the woman received a phone call on September 25 from an unidentified person who introduced himself as an officer from Colaba Police Station in Mumbai.
The caller allegedly told her that a criminal case had been registered against her in connection with money laundering, drug-related activities and child trafficking.
The fraudster also allegedly claimed that the woman was linked to international money laundering accused Naresh Goyal.
The allegations reportedly frightened the elderly woman, who feared that she could face serious legal consequences.
Fake CBI officer contacts woman on WhatsApp
The woman was subsequently contacted through a WhatsApp video call by another person who allegedly identified himself as CBI officer Samadhan Pawar.
The caller reportedly claimed that a person named Judge Chandrachud would assist her and further accused her of involvement in international crimes.
The fraudsters allegedly told the woman that she was required to comply with a purported “National Secrets Act” of the Supreme Court.
According to the complaint, the woman believed the claims and did not disclose the matter to her family members, friends or others.
The callers allegedly maintained pressure on her by telling her that her bank accounts and property details would have to be verified as part of the investigation.
Fraudsters obtain bank and property details
The cyber fraudsters allegedly told the woman that the verification process would be completed and clearance issued within two days.
They subsequently obtained details relating to her bank accounts and properties.
After submitting the requested information, the woman allegedly began transferring money to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
She initially transferred Rs 60 lakh.
She then allegedly transferred another Rs 1.40 crore between September 25 and October 5.
In total, the woman lost Rs 2 crore in the alleged cyber fraud.
Woman realises she was cheated after telling friend
The victim reportedly remained under the impression that she was complying with an official investigation.
According to her complaint, she did not tell anyone about the calls because of fear over the criminal allegations made against her.
She realised that she had been cheated only after eventually informing a friend about the incident.
Following this, the matter was reported to the police and a complaint was lodged with the Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police Station.
Cyber police launch investigation
Mangaluru Cyber Crime Police have registered a case and begun investigating the fraud.
The police are expected to examine the bank accounts into which the money was transferred and trace the financial trail to identify the beneficiaries.
Investigators will also examine the phone numbers, WhatsApp communications and other digital evidence associated with the alleged fraudsters.
The identity of the persons who contacted the woman and their links to the bank accounts used for receiving the money are also being investigated.
What is a digital arrest scam?
In a digital arrest scam, fraudsters typically impersonate police officers, investigators, officials of central agencies or other government authorities.
They tell victims that they are allegedly involved in crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking or other offences and then use threats of arrest or legal action to intimidate them.
The fraudsters may conduct video calls and instruct victims to remain connected while demanding personal, financial or property information.
They may subsequently ask victims to transfer money on the pretext of verification, investigation, security deposits or obtaining clearance.
Law enforcement agencies do not conduct investigations or arrests in the manner described in such scams, and members of the public should be particularly cautious when strangers demand money or sensitive information while claiming to be government officials.
Elderly victims particularly vulnerable
The case highlights the risks faced by elderly people who may be targeted by fraudsters using fear and impersonation.
Cybercriminals often exploit a victim’s fear of legal action and create a sense of urgency, leaving little time for the person to independently verify the claims.
Police advise people not to share bank account details, passwords, OTPs or other sensitive financial information with unknown callers.
Anyone receiving a call claiming that they are under investigation should independently contact the concerned police station or agency through an officially verified contact number rather than relying on numbers provided by the caller.
The Mangaluru case is now under investigation, with police working to trace the accused and recover the money transferred by the victim.