Ahmedabad Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 24 Lakh in Sophisticated WhatsApp 'Digital Arrest' Scam
In a distressing case of cybercrime, a 70-year-old woman from Ahmedabad was cheated out of a staggering Rs 24 lakh after fraudsters subjected her to a terrifying "digital arrest" through WhatsApp video calls. The perpetrators, posing as law enforcement officials, accused her of involvement in "child pornography" and "illegal gambling", creating a climate of fear that compelled her to transfer substantial sums of money under the guise of an ongoing investigation.
The Ordeal Begins with a Deceptive WhatsApp Call
The woman's harrowing experience commenced on January 4 when she received an unsolicited WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller, falsely identifying themselves as a representative from the telecom department, informed her that a mobile number registered using her Aadhaar card was linked to a criminal case in Mumbai. The fraudster made alarming claims, stating that "from 2019 to 2023, Rs 25 lakh interest is credited every month" to this number, and promptly transferred the call to what was described as an investigating officer.
Escalation to False Accusations and Digital Surveillance
According to the detailed complaint filed by the victim, she was then connected to an individual impersonating a police officer. This person alleged that the Aadhaar-linked number was actively used for distributing child pornography and facilitating illegal gambling activities. The situation intensified when another WhatsApp video call followed, this time from someone claiming affiliation with the Mumbai crime branch.
The scammers sent her fabricated documents via WhatsApp, including a counterfeit FIR copy and a forged Supreme Court letter, both containing her personal details to appear authentic. She was instructed to isolate herself in a room and remain under constant video surveillance, effectively placing her under a "digital house arrest." The fraudsters maintained relentless watch, requiring her to seek "permission" even for basic movements like stepping out, while continuously demanding money for the supposed investigation.
Financial Exploitation Under Duress
Under immense psychological pressure, the victim arranged funds by prematurely withdrawing Rs 20 lakh from three post office fixed deposits. On January 19, she transferred Rs 15 lakh via RTGS to a private bank account as directed. Subsequently, she pledged her gold jewellery to secure a Rs 9 lakh loan, which was deposited into her State Bank of India account on January 21. The very next day, she transferred this entire amount to another private bank account specified by the fraudsters.
Despite these substantial payments, the scammers' demands did not cease. They instructed her to pay an additional Rs 40 lakh for case clearance and threatened her with immediate arrest when she expressed inability to arrange more funds. This ultimatum finally prompted her to confide in her son, leading to the initiation of formal action against this elaborate cyber fraud.
Formal Complaint and Ongoing Investigation
The victim's family contacted the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to report the incident, followed by filing a formal police complaint in Ahmedabad. The complaint seeks stringent action against the unidentified callers and the holders of the bank accounts that received the illicit funds. This case highlights the sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, through psychological manipulation and digital intimidation tactics.
Authorities are investigating the matter, emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding such scams. Citizens are advised to verify any unsolicited communication claiming to be from government or law enforcement agencies through official channels and to never share personal or financial information under pressure.
