Digital swindle claims Rs 34 lakh from Bengaluru tech professional under false imprisonment by cybercriminals
In a chilling instance of the rising "digital arrest" scam trend in India, a 35-year-old software engineer from Bengaluru was extorted of over Rs 34.69 lakh. The fraudsters, posing as Mumbai police, coerced the victim into transferring funds into unknown accounts over a 20-day period.
The saga began on July 5 when the victim received a call from an individual claiming to be from the Colaba police station in Mumbai. The caller alleged that the victim's phone number was being used for harassing messages and money laundering. The victim, falling for the ruse, was instructed to transfer all his funds into a "verification account" to prove that his money was not linked to illegal activities.
Throughout the extortion, the fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials and threatened the victim with legal consequences. They demanded money under the guise of an investigation, often coercing the victim to transfer funds to unknown accounts. The scammers kept the victim under a "digital arrest" by keeping him on continuous calls and even threatened him with degrading actions if he failed to comply.
The East Division Cyber Crime Police in Bengaluru have registered an FIR against unknown persons under sections 318 (cheating) and 308 (extortion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This case is part of a growing trend of "digital arrest" scams in India.
To protect oneself from such frauds, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Do not trust unsolicited calls or video calls claiming to be from the police or government agencies. Genuine authorities do not conduct arrests or investigations solely via video calls or demand money to avoid arrest. Avoid sharing personal information or images, especially under pressure during such calls. If threatened, immediately try to disconnect and contact family or friends to verify the situation. Report suspected digital arrest scams promptly to the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call the helpline 1930.
Be skeptical of warnings about blacklisted Aadhaar cards, money laundering cases, or urgent legal actions communicated via phone or WhatsApp with demands for money transfers. Official procedures never include such steps without formal written notices and proper legal channels. Authorities have started cracking down on these scams, arresting key perpetrators and busting international cyber fraud gangs operating from abroad. Increased public awareness and reporting remain critical defenses against the growing menace of digital arrest scams in India.
Citizens are also advised to verify claims directly with the concerned police station to avoid falling victim to these scams. The victim in this case arranged the amount by taking a personal loan and pawning gold jewellery in his possession. After the extortion, no further communication has been received from the fraudsters since the money transfer. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need to stay cautious and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
- The ongoing issue of digital arrest scams in India, highlighted by the extortion of a 35-year-old software engineer, underlines the significance of cybersecurity, particularly amidst the growing use of smartphones for financial transactions.
- In the wake of general-news stories about digital arrest scams, it is imperative for citizens to be aware of the danger signals and take necessary precautions, such as not sharing personal information under pressure or giving in to demands for money transfers, even if they claim to be from law enforcement authorities or government agencies.
