Bengaluru Businessman Falls Victim to Rs 37 Lakh Digital Arrest Scam
A 68-year-old businessman from Bengaluru has become the latest victim of a sophisticated digital arrest scam, losing a staggering Rs 37 lakh to fraudsters who impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The elaborate fraud, which unfolded over nine days from February 1 to February 9, highlights the growing menace of cybercrime targeting unsuspecting individuals through threats of legal action and public humiliation.
How the Scam Unfolded: A Tale of Deception and Fear
The ordeal began when the victim, identified as Sagar (name changed), a resident of Srirampura, received a call from an individual claiming to be a TRAI official. The caller alleged that a SIM card registered under Sagar's name was being used for illegal activities, including unlawful advertisements and harassment calls. Despite Sagar's denial of ownership, the fraudster insisted the SIM was purchased using his Aadhaar card and promptly transferred the call to a supposed CBI officer based in Mumbai.
This second fraudster escalated the threats, falsely accusing Sagar of involvement in a money laundering case registered in Mumbai. Claiming that a bank account in his name was used for hawala transactions, the scammer demanded Sagar join a WhatsApp video call. During this call, the fraudster appeared dressed in a police uniform, with a CBI logo and office setting visible in the background, adding a layer of authenticity to the ruse.
Virtual Confinement and Extortion Demands
The fraudsters then instructed Sagar to share sensitive personal information, including details of his bank accounts and passport. They warned him not to discuss the matter with anyone, citing the involvement of VVIPs and the confidential nature of the case. Threats of arrest in full public view were used to coerce compliance.
In a chilling twist, Sagar was ordered to confine himself to a room and keep the video call active, purportedly under surveillance. Under the guise of a virtual investigation, the scammers extracted extensive personal, banking, and family details. On February 4, they offered to drop his name from the case in exchange for money, leading Sagar to transfer Rs 20 lakh via RTGS from two bank accounts. By February 6, he had transferred an additional Rs 17 lakh from a third account.
Realization and Police Action
When the fraudsters continued to demand more money, Sagar finally realized he was being cheated by an organized syndicate. After consulting with friends and family, he approached the police. Authorities have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and Sections 308 (extortion) and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Efforts are underway to freeze the bank accounts used in the scam and trace the perpetrators.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the tactics employed by cybercriminals, leveraging fear and impersonation to exploit victims. The public is urged to remain vigilant and verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be from government agencies, especially through unsolicited calls or digital platforms.
