Vizag Senior Citizen Defrauded of ₹85 Lakh in Elaborate Digital Arrest Scam
In a distressing incident from Visakhapatnam, a 75-year-old resident of Vizag city has been cheated out of nearly ₹85 lakh after falling victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. Fraudsters, impersonating officials from the Mumbai crime branch, trapped the elderly man by falsely accusing him of involvement in a money-laundering case.
How the Scam Unfolded
The scammers initiated contact by referring to a fabricated FIR number, claiming that a case had been registered against the senior citizen for misusing his Aadhar card to open an account at Canara Bank in Mumbai. They alleged this account was exploited by an individual named Naresh, who was arrested for laundering money and siphoning off crores in loans.
Exploiting fear and isolation, the callers threatened the man with immediate arrest if he failed to appear before Mumbai police for investigation. Despite his denials, they insisted the probe was ongoing and manipulated him into compliance.
The Digital Arrest Tactic
To intensify control, the fraudster declared the victim was under "digital arrest," instructing him not to disclose the matter to anyone and forbidding him from leaving his home without their permission. This psychological manipulation created a sense of imprisonment and urgency.
Under the pretext of verifying his income source for the investigation, the scammers coerced the terrified senior citizen into transferring money to specified bank accounts. Over three to four instalments, he reportedly transferred more than ₹85 lakh.
Continued Harassment and Police Intervention
Even after receiving the substantial sum, the fraudsters continued to threaten the elderly man, demanding additional payments citing ongoing investigations. Unable to endure the harassment, he eventually contacted relatives who recognized it as a financial cyber fraud.
The victim subsequently approached the cybercrime police in Vizag city, lodging a formal complaint against the perpetrators. Authorities are investigating the case to track down the scammers.
Police Warning on Elderly Vulnerability
Police officials highlighted that senior citizens are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals in digital arrest frauds. They identified several factors contributing to this vulnerability:
- Trusting nature and lack of digital awareness among elderly individuals
- Loneliness, as many have children living in other cities
- Financial stability that makes them attractive targets
- Lack of immediate support systems when faced with such threats
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable populations, particularly during times when digital interactions have become more prevalent.
