‘The SIM card purchased using your ID has been misused’—this is how the scammers’ game began..
A new case of cyber fraud has come to light; a 61-year-old resident of Mangaluru has been defrauded of ₹2 crore through a "Digital Arrest Scam." You must understand how this elaborate scheme by the scammers began—and how the victim gradually fell into their trap—so that you may learn from this incident and recognize the tactics scammers use to ensnare their victims.
**How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded**
According to a report by *The Times of India*—citing a case registered at the Mangaluru City CEN Police Station—the incident began on March 31, when the victim received a call from an unknown number. Speaking in English, the caller identified himself as an official from the "National Data Protection Center" and claimed that the victim's identity card had been misused. The fraudster further alleged that an individual in Mumbai had used the 61-year-old man's ID to purchase a SIM card, which was subsequently utilized for illicit activities. These activities reportedly ranged from making threatening calls and circulating obscene content to involvement in narcotics trafficking. The scammer fabricated this elaborate narrative and executed the entire scheme with the sole intention of intimidating the victim.
Fear is a powerful emotion that can compel anyone to do almost anything, and it is precisely this vulnerability that fraudsters exploit. Intimidating the victim, the scammer claimed that between 30 and 50 FIRs (First Information Reports) had been registered against him at the Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. He further asserted that central agencies—such as the NIA (National Investigation Agency) and the ED (Enforcement Directorate)—would soon initiate an investigation into the matter.
The fraudsters' scheme did not end there; the victim subsequently began receiving back-to-back calls on WhatsApp. During one such call, an individual identifying himself as an NIA officer connected the line to a second person, who claimed to hold the rank of ADGP (Additional Director General of Police). To lend an air of credibility to the scam, the victim was asked to provide his personal details as part of a "verification process."
The scammers further intensified the pressure on the victim by leveling grave accusations against him—including charges of terrorism. The intimidation continued, and the victim was informed that, according to government records, they were a major criminal with multiple cases registered against them. In this tactic—also known as the "Digital Arrest Scam"—the victim is led to believe that they are under investigation and must comply with instructions to avoid arrest. Threatening legal action, the scammers warned the victim that failure to follow their directives would result in severe consequences.
**Fraud Exceeding ₹2 Crore**
The victim was coerced into transferring money to the fraudsters' accounts in several installments. Between April 7 and April 18, a total sum of ₹2,07,04,600 was transferred via RTGS to various bank accounts. The fact that payments were made over several days highlights the sustained psychological pressure the fraudsters exerted on the victim. Only after transferring the money did the victim realize they had been defrauded; they immediately contacted the police.
**How to Stay Safe**
* Never trust the claims made by a caller from an unknown number—especially if they identify themselves as a government official and attempt to intimidate you.
* If someone asks for your personal information over the phone, recognize this as a sign that you are likely being targeted by a scam.
* Never make the mistake of transferring money under duress or in response to threats.
* Report any suspicious activity immediately to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
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