Faridabad Senior Loses Rs 81 Lakh in Digital Arrest Scam
A 68-year-old retiree in Faridabad was cheated of Rs 81 lakh in a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam where fraudsters posed as CBI and ED officers.
Key Takeaways
- Scammers used fake CBI/ED identities and continuous video calls
- Victim transferred money for “verification” and “bail” over 5 days
- Police have registered FIR; cybercrime unit investigating
- Senior citizens particularly vulnerable to such frauds
How the Digital Arrest Unfolded
The ordeal began on October 14 when Vishnupad Chatterjee received a call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller alleged his bank account was linked to money laundering and human trafficking cases.
The scammers quickly moved from phone calls to WhatsApp video calls, keeping him under continuous visual surveillance to simulate a digital arrest. Using intimidation tactics, fake case documents, and official-sounding jargon, they manipulated him into transferring money.
Financial Damage
Over five days, the fraudsters extracted Rs 81 lakh from the victim:
- Rs 51 lakh transferred on October 16
- Rs 30 lakh transferred via RTGS on October 17
Chatterjee filed a formal complaint on October 19, prompting Ballabgarh Police Station to register an FIR. The cybercrime unit is now tracking the digital footprint of the criminals.
Investigation Findings
Investigators suspect the use of spoofed caller IDs and international VoIP services, common tools in such sophisticated frauds. Authorities note that senior citizens remain particularly vulnerable to these scams.
Similar cases have emerged nationwide, including an instance where an 81-year-old from Surat lost Rs 16.65 lakh under identical pretexts.
Protection Guidelines: How to Stay Safe
- Never transfer money or share personal/bank details under pressure
- Hang up immediately if someone claims to be an official threatening legal action via WhatsApp or video call
- Report incidents at the nearest cyber-cell or through the National Cybercrime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in)
- Inform family members early – scammers rely on isolation and fear
Remember: Legitimate government agencies never demand money over the phone or through video calls.
