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In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, a 79-year-old senior lawyer from Mumbra, Mumbai, and his wife were duped of ₹64.6 lakh by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers. The scammers employed a sophisticated “digital arrest” scheme, leveraging fake legal documents and threats to coerce the elderly couple into transferring large sums of money.
The Scam Unfolds
On the afternoon of September 3, the lawyer received a WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be from a law enforcement agency. The caller alleged that multiple bank accounts and SIM cards had been issued in the names of the lawyer and his wife, which were being misused for money laundering and anti-national activities. To substantiate the claims, the fraudsters sent forged documents, including fake FIRs, arrest warrants, and investigation reports.
The couple was informed that they were under “digital arrest,” a term used by the scammers to imply that they were under online surveillance and facing legal action. Fearing severe legal consequences, the victims were coerced into transferring ₹64.6 lakh across several transactions to bank accounts provided by the scammers.
Discovery and Police Action
The fraudulent communications abruptly ceased, prompting the couple to realize they had been scammed. They promptly filed a police complaint with the Thane Police, who registered an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act (IT Act). Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have managed to recover ₹5 lakh of the defrauded amount.
Rising Trend of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
This incident is part of a concerning rise in “digital arrest” scams across India, where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims. These scams typically involve threats of arrest or legal action, accompanied by fake documents, to create a sense of urgency and fear.
Cybersecurity experts urge the public, especially senior citizens, to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls or messages demanding money. It’s advisable to independently verify the identity of the caller and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
