Nagpur Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 23 Lakh in Sophisticated 'Digital Arrest' Cyber Scam
In a distressing case highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime, a 78-year-old resident of Pratap Nagar in Nagpur fell victim to a sophisticated 'digital arrest' scam, losing a staggering Rs 23 lakh to fraudsters. The elderly man was threatened with a fabricated terrorism case and a fake arrest warrant, leading to the registration of an FIR at the cyber police station following his complaint.
How the Elaborate Cyber Fraud Unfolded
The scam commenced on October 14, 2025, when the complainant received a call from mobile number 9503831490. The caller, identifying himself as Ravikumar Sharma from the Data Protection Board of India, alleged that a SIM card and bank account had been opened in the victim's name and were being misused in a terrorism-related case. To intensify the intimidation, the fraudster claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the senior citizen.
The scammers went to great lengths to appear legitimate, sending fake documents bearing the names, seals, and stamps of the Government of India, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Supreme Court of India. These forged papers were used to coerce the victim into compliance, creating a facade of official authority.
The 'Digital Arrest' and Financial Extortion
The elderly man was informed that he was under 'digital arrest' and sternly warned not to discuss the matter with anyone, isolating him from potential help. From October 14, 2025, to March 19, 2026, he was subjected to continuous threats, forcing him to transfer Rs 23 lakh to accounts provided by the fraudsters.
In a manipulative twist, the scammers assured the victim that the money would be safely returned within 24 hours after 'clearing' his name from the fabricated terrorism charges. To bolster this false promise, they even sent fake deposit receipts as proof, further deceiving the senior citizen into believing the transactions were part of a legitimate process.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
After enduring months of financial and psychological pressure, the victim finally lodged a formal complaint with the cyber police station. This led to the registration of an FIR, marking the beginning of an official investigation into the elaborate cyber fraud. Authorities are now scrutinizing the details, including the mobile number used and the fake documents, to track down the perpetrators.
This case underscores the urgent need for public awareness, especially among vulnerable groups like senior citizens, regarding such sophisticated cyber scams. Police advise citizens to verify any suspicious claims independently and report incidents immediately to prevent further victimization.
