A 75-year-old retired professor from Bengaluru has been defrauded of Rs 2.07 crore in a sophisticated 'digital arrest' scam. The fraudsters, posing as officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), contacted the victim on the pretext of a money laundering investigation linked to his Aadhaar and bank accounts.
How the scam unfolded
The victim, a resident of the Sadashivanagar area, received a call from individuals claiming to be NIA and ED officers. They alleged that his Aadhaar card was used in illegal transactions and that he would be arrested if he did not cooperate. The scammers instructed him to stay on a video call to monitor his activities, effectively placing him under 'digital arrest'. They demanded that he transfer funds to designated bank accounts for verification purposes. Over several days, the victim transferred Rs 2.07 crore in multiple transactions.
Realization and police complaint
After the transactions, the scammers became unreachable, prompting the victim to realize he had been cheated. He filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Bengaluru. The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are underway to trace the fraudulent accounts and identify the perpetrators.
Modus operandi of digital arrest scams
In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement agencies and intimidate victims by threatening immediate arrest unless they comply with demands. They often use video calls to maintain pressure and prevent victims from seeking help. The scammers exploit personal information obtained through data leaks or social engineering to make their threats appear credible.
Precautions for citizens
Authorities advise citizens to be cautious of unsolicited calls demanding money or personal information. No legitimate government agency will ask for money transfers or threaten arrest over the phone. Individuals should verify claims by contacting the concerned agency directly through official channels. If faced with such a situation, one should immediately report it to the nearest police station or the cyber crime helpline at 1930.
The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting senior citizens, who may be less familiar with digital security practices. Family members are encouraged to educate elderly relatives about such scams and encourage them to report any suspicious calls.
