Digital Arrest Scam Dupes Bengaluru Elderly Couple of ₹3.17 Crore

A 74-year-old resident of Jayanagar I Block in Bengaluru and his wife have lost ₹3.17 crore to fraudsters posing as police officers and telecom officials in a sophisticated 'digital arrest' cyber fraud that lasted over three months.

The South CEN Crime Police registered a case on Tuesday based on the victim's complaint and have launched an investigation.

According to the complaint, the scam began on March 9 when the couple received a call from a landline number. The callers claimed that their landline connection would be disconnected within two hours as it had been linked to criminal activities.

The following day, the fraudsters instructed the complainant to press a number on the phone, after which the call was transferred to a woman posing as a senior telecom official and later to persons impersonating police officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The callers falsely alleged that the couple's personal details had been used in money laundering, drug trafficking and hawala transactions, and claimed that criminal cases had been registered against them. They then subjected the couple to a 'digital arrest,' warning them not to disclose the matter to anyone, not to leave their home without permission, and to answer every call immediately.

To 'verify' their finances, the fraudsters obtained the couple's banking credentials and directed them to transfer money from multiple bank accounts to various accounts controlled by the accused. The complainants were also asked to mortgage their jewellery and transfer the proceeds, but they refused.

Believing the claims to be genuine, the couple transferred funds in multiple transactions from accounts held into several beneficiary accounts over the course of the scam, totalling ₹3,17,80,000.

The fraud came to light after the callers repeatedly delayed returning the money on the pretext of completing an 'income tax clearance' and eventually stopped responding. Realising they had been cheated, the couple approached the police on Monday.

The South CEN Crime Police have registered a case and are investigating the bank accounts used in the fraud, as well as the identities of those who impersonated telecom officials and police officers.

This incident highlights the growing threat of 'digital arrest' scams, where fraudsters exploit fear and authority to coerce victims into transferring money. Authorities urge the public to remain cautious and verify any such calls through official channels.