Digital Arrest: Scammers kept a Mumbai businessman under 'digital arrest' overnight and siphoned off Rs 53 lakh from his account..

A shocking cyber fraud has come to light in Mumbai. A 60-year-old businessman from South Mumbai was held under "digital arrest" overnight via video call by fraudsters posing as senior law enforcement officials and defrauded him of ₹5.3 million (approximately $5.3 million).

What is "digital arrest"?
"Digital arrest" is a new method of cyber fraud. Fraudsters pose as government or police officers and threaten people via video or audio calls. They claim they are involved in a crime and must pay a deposit to avoid legal action.

What happened?
The victim is a resident of the Agripada area of ​​Mumbai. On November 2nd, he received a call from an unknown number. The caller identified himself as an officer from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). He identified himself as Rajiv Sinha and said, "A SIM card purchased in your name has been defrauded. You must appear before the Delhi Police within two hours." When the businessman replied that he could not go to Delhi, the caller said that a case had been filed against him in Delhi and that the Delhi Police would now speak to him.

Then began the "digital arrest"
A short while later, the victim received a video call. This time, the caller identified himself as Vijay Khanna, a Delhi Police officer. He stated that the businessman's name was involved in a money laundering case and that a fake bank account had been opened using his Aadhaar card. The fraudsters then arranged for him to speak with various senior officers on video calls, and also showed him fake letterheads from the Anti-Corruption Branch, the Inspection Department, and the Enforcement Directorate. The accused kept the victim on the call all night, demanding details about his property, savings, and bank accounts.

Fake 'Online Court Hearing'
The next day, the fraudsters arranged a fake online court hearing. The "court" stated that he would not be granted bail and that all his bank accounts would be frozen. He was told to transfer his money to a "nationalized bank account" specified by the government. Out of fear, the victim transferred ₹53 lakh to that account.

How was the secret revealed?
When the fraudsters demanded more money, he became suspicious. He left the room, pretending to go to the restroom, and called the cyber helpline number 1930. He then filed a complaint at the Central Region Cyber ​​Police Station. The police have registered a case and begun an investigation.

How to avoid such frauds?
A genuine call from any government agency or police is never received on a video call. If someone claims there's a case against you, immediately file a complaint with 1930 or 112. Do not believe fake documents or court notices online; always verify the official website. Never transfer money to an unknown account. Digital arrests are not real arrests; they are simply a tactic used by cybercriminals to intimidate people. Be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious calls to the cyber police.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.