Mangaluru: A woman in Mangaluru was allegedly defrauded of ₹42 lakh in a sophisticated online scam involving a fake “digital arrest,” police said on Wednesday. A case has been registered at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police Station.

Scam call from fake Mumbai police

According to the police, the incident began on October 7, when the woman received a call from an unidentified person claiming to be from the Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. The caller alleged that a new SIM card had been issued in her name and that she needed to travel to Mumbai to clear the matter.

When the woman said she could not travel, the caller instructed her to write a letter and send it via WhatsApp. Soon after, she received a video call from another person posing as a CBI officer, who mentioned RBI officials and Supreme Court judges to make the situation appear legitimate.

The fake officers then coerced the victim into sharing her personal and bank details, claiming that her cooperation was required to “verify her innocence.”

Victim transfers ₹42 lakh in stages

Between October 8 and 17, the woman transferred a total of ₹42,00,150 in multiple instalments to various bank accounts, following the fake officials’ instructions.

However, when the scammers demanded additional funds, she became suspicious and informed her children and sister, who advised her to stop further transactions. Realising she had been duped, the woman approached the Mangaluru CEN Police Station and filed a complaint.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the perpetrators and recover the defrauded amount.

‘Digital arrest’ is a scam, not a legal action

Authorities have clarified that the term “digital arrest” has no legal basis in Indian law. It is a fabricated tactic used by fraudsters to intimidate victims and extort money under the guise of legal or police procedures.

“Police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money. The so-called ‘digital arrest’ is completely fake,” a senior CEN police officer said.

Police urge vigilance against cyber fraud

The Mangaluru Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and cautious while responding to unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement or government institutions.

Safety guidelines include:

  • Never share personal or banking details, OTPs, or PINs with unknown callers.
  • Be wary of callers claiming to be CBI, RBI, or police officials who demand payments or threaten legal action.
  • Immediately report suspicious calls to local police or the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
  • Contact your bank right away to freeze transactions if you suspect fraud.

Quick reporting, police say, can significantly increase the chances of recovering lost funds.