Mangaluru: A senior citizen from Mangaluru has allegedly lost ₹31 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated “digital arrest” cyber fraud, highlighting the growing threat posed by scammers impersonating law enforcement officials.
According to police, the fraudsters contacted the victim over the phone, falsely claiming to be officials from government investigative agencies. They allegedly accused the senior citizen of being linked to a criminal case and threatened legal action, creating fear and psychological pressure to extort money.
Fraudsters used fear to steal ₹31 lakh
Investigators said the scammers convinced the victim that he was under a so-called “digital arrest” and instructed him not to speak to anyone while the fake investigation was underway.
Believing the threats to be genuine, the victim transferred ₹31 lakh in multiple transactions to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. It was only later, after losing contact with the callers, that he realised he had been cheated and approached the police.
Police register case, urge public to stay alert
A case has been registered, and police have launched an investigation to trace the accused and recover the money.
Cybercrime officials have once again cautioned the public that no police agency, CBI, Enforcement Directorate or other government authority conducts investigations through video calls or demands money transfers to verify bank accounts or avoid arrest.
People are advised to immediately disconnect such calls, avoid sharing personal or banking information, and report suspected cyber fraud through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Authorities have urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant against such scams.