In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime, a 74-year-old retired resident of Talegaon Dabhade, Pune, was swindled out of a staggering Rs 34.80 lakh in a sophisticated 'digital arrest' fraud. The Talegaon Dabhade police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.
The Modus Operandi of the Digital Arrest Scam
The ordeal began in November last year when the elderly victim received a call from an individual posing as a police officer. The fraudster not only provided a fake officer's name but also shared a copy of a fabricated identity card to appear legitimate. The caller aggressively accused the senior citizen of being involved in a serious fraud case, instilling immediate fear and panic.
To make the threat seem authentic, the scammer even sent the victim documents related to the non-existent case. The elderly man was then told he faced imminent arrest unless he complied with their demands for verification.
How the Victim Was Duped of His Life Savings
Under the guise of preventing his arrest, the fraudster presented a cunning solution. He instructed the victim to verify his bank balance with the 'authorities' by transferring all his funds to specified bank accounts. The con artist assured the senior citizen that this was a standard procedural check and that the entire amount would be refunded immediately after verification.
Terrified by the prospect of arrest and believing the caller to be a genuine police official, the 74-year-old man transferred Rs 34.80 lakh to the accounts provided by the scammer. As expected in such frauds, the money vanished, and the perpetrators cut off contact.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
After realizing he had been cheated, the victim filed an online complaint. Following preliminary inquiries, the Talegaon Dabhade police formally registered a case on Saturday. An officer involved confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the fraud occurred on November 27.
"Our investigations are on," the officer stated, acknowledging the challenge of tracking down such cyber criminals who often operate from remote locations. This case adds to a worrying national trend where fraudsters exploit the trust and fear of citizens, particularly targeting vulnerable senior citizens with these 'digital arrest' or 'fake police' scams.
The incident serves as a critical reminder for the public to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies. Genuine officials will never demand money transfers for verification or threaten immediate arrest over the phone. Citizens are urged to verify such calls independently by contacting their local police station before taking any action.
