Vizag Senior Citizen Defrauded of ₹90 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime, a 76-year-old man from Visakhapatnam, commonly known as Vizag, fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest fraud scheme, losing nearly ₹90 lakh to criminals impersonating Supreme Court and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials. This case underscores the alarming trend of elderly individuals being targeted across Andhra Pradesh due to their vulnerability and limited digital literacy.
How the Elaborate Scam Unfolded
The victim received unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be officials of the Supreme Court in Delhi. These fraudsters sent fabricated documents via instant messaging applications, falsely alleging his involvement in unlawful activities and insisting that a petition had been filed against him in the apex court. Despite his denials, the callers maintained that an investigation was underway, creating a sense of urgency and fear.
Soon after, another fraudster appeared on a video call, impersonating a CBI officer, and declared that the man was under digital arrest. Exploiting his terror, the scammers threatened him with an arrest warrant and demanded transfers to multiple bank accounts for verification purposes. Terrified and under pressure, the elderly man transferred nearly ₹90 lakh into three State Bank of India (SBI) accounts.
Aftermath and Police Intervention
After receiving the money, the fraudsters abruptly cut off contact. However, days later, they resurfaced, again posing as CBI officers, sending false documents and harassing him for more funds. This time, the victim refused to comply and approached the Vizag cybercrime police to file a complaint.
Police authorities noted that senior citizens across Andhra Pradesh are increasingly being targeted in such digital arrest scams due to several factors:
- Their trusting nature and limited awareness of digital threats
- Feelings of loneliness that scammers exploit
- Financial stability, making them lucrative targets
- Fraudsters' use of fear and urgency tactics to loot life savings
Authorities Issue Crucial Warnings
Authorities have stressed that no legitimate government agency, including the Supreme Court or CBI, conducts investigations via video calls or demands money transfers for verification. They urge victims to take immediate action by dialing the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 and sharing all relevant documents without delay, as procrastination allows criminals to withdraw funds quickly.
Police added that timely complaints are essential, as they enable law enforcement to freeze suspect accounts and potentially recover stolen property. This case serves as a stark reminder for the public, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant against such sophisticated cyber frauds and verify any suspicious communications through official channels.
