Mangaluru: A resident of Mangaluru has allegedly been cheated of ₹41.85 lakh in a ‘digital arrest’ scam, prompting the registration of a case at the CEN Police Station.
According to the complaint lodged by the victim, the incident began on January 31 when he received a phone call from a person claiming to be an officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch, calling from New Delhi. The caller allegedly informed him that a bank account had been opened in his name at Canara Bank using his identity documents and that the account was linked to a major financial fraud.
The complainant stated that the fraudster accused him of being involved in unlawful financial transactions and warned him of severe legal consequences if he failed to cooperate.
Threat of arrest and fake warrant
The caller allegedly escalated the threat by claiming that a warrant had been issued against the victim by the Supreme Court of India. The victim was reportedly told that he could face immediate arrest if he did not comply with instructions.
To make the situation appear authentic, the accused asked the victim to join a WhatsApp video call for what was described as an official “investigation”. During the video interaction, the fraudster allegedly reiterated the allegations and warned the victim not to inform his family members about the matter.
The victim was reportedly told that the process was confidential and that sharing details with anyone could worsen his legal situation. Under pressure and fearing arrest, he agreed to follow the instructions given during the call.
Money transferred in multiple transactions
On the pretext of verifying his bank accounts and clearing his name to avoid arrest, the accused allegedly instructed the victim to transfer money to specified bank accounts. The complainant stated that he was assured the amount would be refunded after verification.
Acting on these directions, the victim transferred a total of ₹41.85 lakh in multiple transactions between February 9 and February 18. The transfers were reportedly made from his personal bank accounts to accounts provided by the accused.
It was only later that the victim realised he had been deceived. Upon suspecting fraud, he approached the CEN Police Station in Mangaluru and filed a formal complaint detailing the sequence of events and the financial loss incurred.
Case registered at CEN Police Station
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the cyber fraud. Officials said efforts are under way to trace the bank accounts to which the money was transferred and identify the persons behind the scam.
Police sources stated that so-called ‘digital arrest’ scams have been reported in several parts of the country in recent months. In such cases, fraudsters impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies, including crime branches and central investigative agencies, to intimidate victims into transferring money.
Cybercrime officials have reiterated that no genuine law enforcement agency conducts investigations or issues arrest threats through video calls or demands money transfers for verification purposes.
Advisory to the public
Police have urged the public to remain cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers claiming to represent government agencies. Citizens have been advised not to share personal, banking or identity details over phone or video calls and to verify any such claims directly with the concerned authorities.
They also emphasised that courts do not issue warrants or communicate legal actions through informal calls or messaging applications.
The investigation into the ₹41.85 lakh fraud is ongoing. Police have appealed to citizens to report suspicious calls immediately to the cybercrime helpline or the nearest police station to prevent further financial losses.