Kolkata Senior Defrauded of Rs 61.8 Lakh in Elaborate Digital Arrest Scam
A 61-year-old resident of Sinthee in Kolkata has filed a formal complaint alleging he was swindled out of a staggering sum exceeding Rs 61.8 lakh in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. The fraudsters, masquerading as police officers from Mumbai, systematically pressured the victim into liquidating his financial assets and transferring the proceeds under the false pretense of an ongoing terror funding investigation.
The Deceptive Call and Fabricated Evidence
According to the detailed complaint lodged with the Kolkata Police, the ordeal began on April 1 when the man received an unsolicited phone call. The caller falsely identified himself as an official from the Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. In a convincing manner, the imposter informed the victim that his Aadhaar number had been illicitly used to open a bank account at a nationalised bank, and this account was allegedly linked to serious terror financing activities.
To bolster their credibility, the scammers proceeded to share a fabricated bank account statement via WhatsApp. They also sent several documents that bore what appeared to be official government insignia and seals, creating a facade of authenticity around their fraudulent claims.
Sustained Psychological Pressure and Coercion
A senior officer from the Kolkata Police, familiar with the case, stated that the victim was then subjected to intense and sustained psychological pressure. "The man alleged that he was subjected to sustained pressure and intimidation, with the fraudsters warning of imminent arrest unless he cooperated fully with their fake investigation," the officer explained. This tactic, known as 'digital arrest,' involves threatening victims with legal action to force compliance.
The accused individuals allegedly issued specific instructions, directing the Sinthee resident to sell all the shares he held in his investment portfolio. They then commanded him to transfer the entire proceeds—amounting to Rs 61,80,200—to bank accounts they falsely claimed were linked to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as part of the supposed probe. Under duress, the victim complied and executed the transfers.
Maintained Contact and Eventual Realization
The fraudsters maintained persistent contact with the victim over the course of four days, utilizing at least two different mobile numbers. Communication occurred through multiple phone calls and video calls, a method likely used to enhance their appearance of legitimacy and monitor the victim's actions. It was only after this prolonged period of manipulation that the man realized he had been deceived, prompting him to approach the authorities to file an official complaint.
This case highlights a disturbing trend of cybercriminals exploiting official insignia and leveraging fear of legal repercussions to execute high-value financial fraud. The Kolkata Police are investigating the matter, urging the public to exercise extreme caution with unsolicited communications claiming to be from law enforcement agencies.
