Bengaluru senior citizen loses ₹1.94 crore in cyber fraud

A senior citizen fell victim to cyber fraudsters who swindled ₹1.94 crore from his fixed deposit under the guise of a fabricated investigation. The fraudsters impersonated Mumbai crime branch officials and accused the senior citizen of involvement in a money laundering case linked to businessman Naresh Goyal.

Also Read: Senior citizen in Bengaluru loses ₹81 lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ scam

The scam began on November 30 when the victim received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The callers had staged a realistic setup resembling a police station and convinced the man of their authenticity by claiming they had recovered 247 ATM cards, including his, during a probe. They further alleged he had received illegal commissions and demanded he cooperate with their investigation.

Over the course of a week, the fraudsters kept the victim under "digital arrest," threatening him with immediate arrest if he did not comply. The victim was coerced into providing his bank details and transferring funds in multiple installments totaling ₹1.94 crore.

The scammers also warned the victim against discussing the matter with anyone, claiming it would violate the law. The incident highlights the growing menace of digital arrests, where victims are manipulated into compliance through fear and intimidation.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.