Bengaluru engineer loses ₹11.8 crore in digital arrest scam

A 39-year-old software engineer from GKVK Layout, near Hebbal in Bengaluru, fell prey to a sophisticated digital arrest scam, losing ₹11.8 crore over a span of 18 days. The incident was reported to the North-East Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) police.

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The scam began with a call from a fraudster claiming to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller alleged that a SIM card registered in the victim’s name was being used for illegal activities, including harassment. He further claimed that the victim’s Aadhaar details were misused to obtain the SIM, and a case was under investigation at a Mumbai cyber police station.

Soon after, another individual posing as a police officer informed the victim that his Aadhaar was linked to bank accounts involved in money laundering. The fraudster warned the victim not to disclose the matter to anyone, citing the involvement of influential individuals already arrested in similar cases. Threats of arrest were used to coerce compliance.

The scammers manipulated the victim into transferring money, exploiting fear and urgency. The cumulative loss of ₹11.8 crore underscores the growing sophistication of digital frauds. Authorities are investigating the case, and cybersecurity experts urge individuals to exercise caution and verify such claims through official channels.