Elderly Vizag Couple Defrauded of Rs 80 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime, an elderly couple from Visakhapatnam, commonly known as Vizag, fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest fraud, losing nearly Rs 80 lakh to criminals impersonating officers of the Mumbai police. This case underscores the urgent need for public awareness, especially among senior citizens, regarding such impersonation scams.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The ordeal began when the 66-year-old woman received a WhatsApp video call from unknown individuals claiming to be police officers from Mumbai. During the call, the fraudsters displayed her husband's Aadhaar card and a parcel, alleging that it had been intercepted and contained illegal drugs, specifically cocaine. Despite the couple's firm denials of any involvement or knowledge of such a parcel, the callers insisted that an investigation was underway.
The criminals then declared the couple under 'digital arrest,' instructing them not to leave their home or contact anyone, thereby isolating them and heightening their fear. To further exploit their vulnerability, the callers falsely claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the husband for illegal narcotics trade, creating a sense of imminent legal trouble.
Financial Exploitation and Subsequent Actions
Under the guise of a necessary audit as part of the investigation, the fraudsters demanded money from the couple, assuring them that the amount would be refunded after the process. Terrified by the threats, the elderly couple complied, transferring approximately Rs 80 lakh over the course of a week to various bank accounts provided by the callers.
Even after receiving this substantial sum, the criminals did not relent and demanded additional funds for further investigation. At this point, the couple refused to transfer more money and realized they had been scammed. They promptly dialed 1930, India's cybercrime helpline, to report the fraud and shared all relevant details. Following this, they also approached the cyber crime police in Vizag to file a formal complaint.
Similar Cases and Police Warnings
This incident is not isolated. Just a few days prior, another man from Vizag was duped of Rs 2 lakh in a similar manner, indicating a pattern of such scams targeting residents. Police have registered both cases and launched detailed investigations to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Vizag police have issued a stern warning to the public, particularly senior citizens, urging caution against such impersonation scams. They emphasized that no government agency conducts investigations through video calls or demands money transfers under the pretext of audits. Authorities stressed the importance of immediate action by victims, advising them to dial 1930 at the earliest and provide all details and documents related to the fraud.
Importance of Timely Reporting
A delay in filing complaints can significantly hinder recovery efforts, as cybercriminals quickly attempt to withdraw the stolen funds. When a complaint is registered through 1930, police immediately seek details of the suspects' bank accounts and work to freeze them. A senior police officer explained, "The cybercrooks try to withdraw the money as soon as possible. If a complaint is filed immediately, chances of recovering the money is higher." This proactive approach is crucial in mitigating financial losses and combating such digital crimes effectively.
