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

In a shocking incident, a 79-year-old retired employee from Bengaluru fell victim to a ‘digital arrest’ scam, resulting in a financial loss of ₹81 lakh. The fraudsters, masquerading as Mumbai police officers, accused the elderly man of sending obscene messages to a woman and subsequently swindled the significant sum from him.

The scam unfolded when the victim received a call from an unknown number, with the caller claiming to be a Mumbai police officer. The imposter accused the senior citizen of sending inappropriate messages to a Mumbai-based woman and cited a phone number as evidence. The fraudster further escalated the tension by alleging that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed and that the victim faced imminent physical arrest. To heighten the pressure, the con artist declared that a “digital arrest” was being conducted, instructing the victim to remain confined to his residence and refrain from venturing outside.

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Over the course of the month, the senior citizen was blackmailed and coerced into transferring a staggering sum of ₹81 lakh to the fraudsters. The victim, gripped by fear, remained confined to his home and complied with the fraudsters' demands to avoid what he believed would be an arrest.

The police, currently investigating the case, have highlighted a worrying trend of similar scams in the city, wherein unsuspecting individuals are accused of serious offenses and then blackmailed by scammers posing as government officials.

So what is digital arrest? 

The ‘digital arrest’ scam is a form of cyber fraud where perpetrators use intimidation tactics by posing as law enforcement or government officials. They accuse victims of committing severe offenses such as sending obscene messages and threaten legal consequences, creating a climate of fear and urgency. This psychological manipulation often compels victims to act impulsively, including transferring large sums of money to avoid arrest. Authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant and aware that genuine investigative agencies do not conduct such inquiries over phone or video calls.