A 69-year-old man from Karnataka, Shivanand Hegde, fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud known as a 'digital arrest' scam, losing a staggering Rs 1.7 crore. The incident, which occurred in late April 2026, has raised serious concerns about the growing menace of cybercrime targeting the elderly.
How the Scam Unfolded
The cybercriminals allegedly contacted Hegde, posing as law enforcement officials. They claimed that terrorists had used his Aadhaar credentials to open a bank account, which was then used to carry out illegal transactions worth crores of rupees. To make the threat seem credible, the fraudsters told Hegde that he would be arrested if he did not cooperate.
Under the pretext of a 'digital arrest,' the scammers kept Hegde on a video call for hours, instructing him to transfer money to multiple bank accounts for verification purposes. Fearing legal action, Hegde complied, transferring his life savings over several transactions.
Victim Realizes the Deception
It was only after the money was gone that Hegde realized he had been duped. He immediately approached the local police and filed a complaint. The Karnataka Cyber Crime Police have registered a case under the Information Technology Act and are investigating the matter. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the fraudsters used spoofed phone numbers and fake identity cards to appear legitimate.
Police Advisory and Public Response
In the wake of the incident, Karnataka police issued an advisory urging citizens to be cautious of such scams. They emphasized that law enforcement agencies never demand money over the phone or through video calls. Officials also advised people to verify any such claims by contacting the nearest police station or the cyber crime helpline (1930).
The case has sparked a debate on the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and awareness campaigns, especially for senior citizens who are more vulnerable to such frauds. The government has reiterated its commitment to curbing cybercrimes through stricter regulations and public education initiatives.
