Retired doctor from Coimbatore loses ₹98 lakh to 'digital arrest' fraudsters
A 67-year-old retired government doctor from Coimbatore has been cheated of ₹98 lakh by cyber fraudsters who posed as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers and placed her under a virtual "digital arrest" for several days, police said.
According to police sources, the scammers contacted the doctor on WhatsApp and told her that fraudulent transactions had been detected in her bank account. They instructed her to transfer the money in her account to certain accounts for a "verification process", promising that it would be refunded. Believing the call to be genuine, the doctor transferred a total of ₹98 lakh in multiple transactions to different bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. After receiving the money, they cut off all contact with her.
The Coimbatore city cybercrime police have registered a case based on the doctor's complaint and launched an investigation. Officials have urged citizens to be cautious of such fraudulent calls and verify claims made by self-styled law enforcement officials.
"Digital arrest" is a term used to describe a cyber fraud tactic in which scammers impersonate police, CBI, or other law enforcement authorities. The victim is made to stay on a video call and is told that they are under investigation or that a warrant has been issued against them. The fraudsters create a sense of panic by threatening immediate arrest. They then ask the victim to pay money for bail, verification, or settlement, often instructing them not to disconnect the call until the payment is made. In many cases, the scammers use fake uniforms, official-looking documents, and background images to make the call appear genuine.
Such scams have become widespread across India, with senior citizens being particularly vulnerable because they may not be familiar with digital banking processes or legal procedures. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly clarified that no police or investigative body conducts inquiries over video calls or demands money for verification. Any such request is a red flag and should be treated as fraud.
The rise in cybercrime is evident from the data shared by the Coimbatore city cybercrime police. The station has received more than 6,500 complaints of online cheating this year, with reported losses touching ₹48 crore. The latest incident underscores the devastating impact of such frauds, which not only wipe out life savings but also cause immense mental distress to the victims and their families.
To combat this menace, the government has established a central helpline number, 1930, and the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in for reporting cyber financial fraud. Citizens who fall victim to such scams are advised to report immediately, as prompt action can help freeze the fraudulent accounts and recover the money. The helpline is operational across the country, and complaints registered on the portal are routed to the concerned police authorities.
Cybercrime officials also advise people not to share personal or financial details over the phone, and to independently verify any communication regarding bank transactions or legal action. If a caller claims to be from a bank, law enforcement, or other authority, individuals should disconnect and call the organisation's official helpline to confirm. Awareness and timely reporting remain the most effective safeguards against cyber fraud, the police said.
