Kolkata Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 5 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime targeting vulnerable citizens, a 66-year-old woman from Rajarhat, Kolkata, has reportedly been cheated of Rs 5 lakh in what authorities are calling a digital arrest scam. The elaborate fraud involved perpetrators impersonating senior officials from multiple central agencies to intimidate the victim into transferring funds.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The resident of Vedic Village lodged a formal complaint detailing how she received multiple threatening calls on Thursday from individuals claiming to represent the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These fraudsters alleged that her Aadhaar card, PAN details, and bank accounts were implicated in illegal financial transactions amounting to Rs 20 lakh.
The scammers employed classic fear tactics, warning of imminent legal action, arrest, and account freezing unless she cooperated fully with their investigation. This psychological pressure created a sense of urgency and compliance in the victim.
The Financial Manipulation and Document Theft
Manipulated into believing she needed to clear her bank account to prove her innocence, the elderly woman followed the fraudsters' instructions precisely. On January 30, she transferred Rs 5 lakh to a bank account provided by the scammers, which was held under the name Asish Kumar Nayak.
Beyond the direct financial loss, the victim was coerced into sharing sensitive financial documents, including details of two insurance policies valued at Rs 90 lakh. She now fears these documents could be misused for:
- Identity impersonation
- Loan fraud schemes
- Policy-related financial crimes
Police Investigation and Response
Law enforcement authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into this sophisticated cyber fraud case. A police officer involved stated, We are tracing the accused, freezing the beneficiary account, and examining the money trail meticulously to recover the stolen funds and apprehend those responsible.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing sophistication of digital fraud schemes targeting senior citizens, who may be less familiar with modern cybercrime tactics. The digital arrest scam represents a particularly malicious form of social engineering where criminals exploit fear of authority to bypass victims' natural caution.
Authorities urge citizens to remain vigilant against unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, especially those demanding immediate financial transactions or sensitive personal information. Verification through official channels is always recommended before complying with any such requests.
