Kolkata Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 48 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 68-year-old retired railway official from Nagerbazar in Kolkata's Dum Dum area has lost a staggering Rs 48 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam. According to police reports, the elaborate deception began on February 18, but the terrified victim only approached authorities on Tuesday, March 5, after enduring weeks of threats and psychological manipulation.
Fabricated Terror Charges and Fake CBI Setup
The cyber criminals initiated contact by claiming the victim's SIM card had been used in connection with a Delhi blast case. They further alleged that Rs 8 lakh had been illegally credited to his bank account as part of the criminal activity. An officer from the Barrackpore Commissionerate revealed that the fraudsters escalated their threats by claiming an arrest warrant had been issued in the victim's name.
"The scammers threatened that he must reach Delhi within an hour or Kolkata Police would arrest him and his family members," the officer stated. "They also fabricated terror charges to intensify the pressure."
Elaborate Video Call Deception
The victim, who resides on MC Garden Road with his wife (a schoolteacher) and their 15-year-old daughter, described receiving a call from someone posing as a CBI officer. In his formal complaint, he detailed how the fraudsters presented what appeared to be compelling evidence against him.
"Based on 'evidence' gathered during their fake investigation, they claimed a warrant was issued against me," the retired official recounted. "They even sent me a fabricated copy of the arrest warrant to make it seem legitimate."
During a subsequent video call, the scammers displayed what looked like an authentic police station setup, complete with individuals posing as CBI officials and various forged documents. This visual deception significantly enhanced the credibility of their threats.
The Financial Trap and False Promises
The fraudsters then presented their ultimate demand: to avoid immediate digital arrest, the victim would need to pay a substantial "fine" by transferring all funds from his bank account. They offered a convincing false assurance that after completing their investigation and obtaining necessary clearances from the court and Reserve Bank of India, the amount would be refunded minus a nominal penalty.
This psychological manipulation, combined with the fabricated legal threats, created a perfect storm that led the senior citizen to transfer his entire life savings of Rs 48 lakh to the criminals.
Family Background and Irony
Adding a layer of tragic irony to the situation, the victim's elder daughter is currently pursuing a course in cyber law at a university in England. This detail highlights how even families with some awareness of legal and digital matters can fall prey to sophisticated cyber fraud schemes.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cyber criminals who exploit fear and authority to defraud vulnerable citizens. Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to track down the perpetrators behind this elaborate digital arrest scam that has devastated a Kolkata family's financial security.
