Ahmedabad Elderly Man Defrauded of Rs 42.5 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 53-year-old businessman from Satellite, Ahmedabad, filed a complaint with the Cybercrime police on Thursday, alleging that his 83-year-old father was duped of over Rs 42.50 lakh through an elaborate digital arrest scam. The fraudsters impersonated telecom officials, CBI officers, and even a judge to execute the crime.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to the FIR, the victim, a retired Navy officer, received a call on December 8, 2025, from an individual claiming to represent the telecom department. The caller falsely stated that multiple complaints had been registered against the elderly man's mobile number and that the matter was under investigation by the CBI in Mumbai. Shortly after this initial contact, the victim received WhatsApp video calls from another person posing as a CBI officer.
The scammers alleged that Rs 20 lakh linked to a suspect had been transferred to the victim's bank account and that he was facing 27 criminal cases. During one video call, the complainant's father was shown what appeared to be a courtroom set-up, with a person dressed as a judge warning him not to disclose the confidential probe to family members.
Threats and Financial Loss
Police reports indicate that the elderly man was threatened with damage to his reputation and arrest if he did not comply. He was instructed to submit a written declaration of his bank accounts and transfer funds for verification by the Reserve Bank of India. Between December 8 and 10, fixed deposits from two bank accounts were prematurely withdrawn, and Rs 42.50 lakh was transferred via RTGS to accounts in different banks, as directed by the callers.
Discovery and Aftermath
The fraud came to light on December 11, when bank officials grew suspicious as further withdrawals were attempted and promptly alerted the family. This intervention prevented additional losses but highlighted the vulnerability of elderly individuals to such sophisticated scams. The Cybercrime police are now investigating the case, focusing on tracing the fraudulent accounts and identifying the perpetrators.
This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime targeting senior citizens, often through impersonation and psychological manipulation. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious calls or requests for financial information, especially those involving threats or claims of legal action.
