Belagavi Senior Loses Rs 5 Lakh in Digital Arrest Cyberfraud Scam
In a distressing case of cyberfraud, a 60-year-old man from Nippani town in Belagavi district was allegedly cheated of over Rs 5 lakh by fraudsters who impersonated Mumbai Crime Branch officials. The scammers threatened the victim with a digital arrest in a fabricated money-laundering case, exploiting his fear to extract a large sum of money.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, identified as Abhimanya, held a savings account at the Bank of Maharashtra's Nippani branch, with his mobile number linked to the account. The fraudsters contacted him on his mobile phone and initiated a video call, during which they falsely claimed to be officers from the Mumbai Crime Branch.
The callers alleged that a money-laundering case was registered against him, citing a suspicious mobile number linked to the case. They further threatened that he would be immediately digitally arrested and asserted that an investigation was already underway, creating a sense of urgency and panic.
Pressure Tactics and Financial Loss
To intensify the pressure, the accused reportedly kept the victim on a continuous video call and instructed him not to contact anyone. They assured him that the case could be cleared if he cooperated with them, manipulating his trust and compliance.
Under fear and pressure, the complainant transferred Rs 5,01,000 from his City Union Bank account through RTGS, as instructed by the callers. Soon after receiving the money, the accused allegedly cut off all contact, leaving the victim stranded and realizing he had been duped.
Police Investigation Underway
After realizing the fraud, the victim approached the police. A case was registered against unknown persons at the Belagavi district CEN police station two days ago. Police officials stated that technical tracking of the mobile numbers and bank accounts involved is currently underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberfraud schemes that use intimidation and digital impersonation to exploit vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for public awareness and robust cybersecurity measures.
