Pune has witnessed a disturbing surge in sophisticated cyber frauds targeting senior citizens, with two retired engineers collectively losing a staggering sum of over Rs 53 lakhs to criminals employing the terrifying tactic of 'digital arrest'. In these elaborate scams, fraudsters posed as high-ranking officials from government bodies to fabricate serious legal charges and extort money.
The Dhayari Engineer's Ordeal: A Rs 36 Lakh Loss
In a distressing case from Dhayari, a 79-year-old retired engineer from a private company was systematically deceived out of Rs 36 lakhs. The fraud began when suspects, pretending to be officials from the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) in Delhi, contacted the victim. They falsely accused him of using his mobile phone to make obscene calls to women and uploading pornographic content online.
To amplify the fear, the criminals sent the elderly man a fabricated image of a Supreme Court warrant for his arrest. While threatening him with imminent detention in this completely fake case, they simultaneously offered a way out. Under the guise of helping him settle the matter, they instructed him to transfer money. The victim, intimidated by the official-sounding threats, proceeded to transfer the massive amount into four different bank accounts between December 8 and 16 this year.
After realizing the deception, the victim submitted a complaint to the Pune cyber police. Following verification, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Nanded City police station on Tuesday. Senior Inspector Atul Bhosale confirmed the details of the case, noting the victim resides with his family in Dhayari.
Deccan Gymkhana Case: A Similar Rs 17 Lakh Scam
In a strikingly similar incident reported the same day, another 79-year-old retired civil engineer from the Deccan area was cheated of Rs 17 lakhs. This scam unfolded between December 12 and 19. Here, the fraudsters impersonated officials from the Telecom Department and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
They threatened the senior citizen with arrest in a fabricated money laundering case. Mirroring the first modus operandi, after creating a climate of fear, they promised to 'settle' the non-existent case upon receiving payment. The suspects then shared details of three bank accounts, to which the victim transferred Rs 17 lakhs. This case was formally lodged with the Deccan Gymkhana police station on Tuesday.
A Growing Menace: The Digital Arrest Threat
These back-to-back incidents highlight the alarming rise of 'digital arrest' scams across India, where criminals use technology and psychological intimidation to prey on vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly. The fraudsters' strategy is meticulously planned:
- Impersonation of Authority: Posing as officials from legitimate, fear-inducing agencies like DPBI, RBI, or CBI.
- Fabrication of Serious Charges: Inventing grave legal accusations such as cyber pornography, money laundering, or drug trafficking to panic the victim.
- Use of Forged Documents: Creating fake warrants, court orders, or official notices to lend credibility to their threats.
- False Promises of Help: Switching from aggressor to 'helper' to manipulate the victim into paying settlement fees.
The Pune Cyber Police are actively investigating both FIRs. They urge the public, particularly senior citizens, to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies. Citizens are advised to never share personal or financial details, and to independently verify any such claims by contacting the local police station or the official helpline number 1930.
