Kanpur Woman Loses Rs 6.66 Lakh in Digital Arrest Scam
A Kanpur woman was cheated of Rs 6.66 lakh after fraudsters posing as UP ATS officers threatened her with arrest in connection with the Red Fort blast case.
Key Takeaways
- Scammers used video calls and fake documents to appear legitimate.
- The victim was forced into ‘digital arrest’ and isolated from contacting others.
- Police have registered a case and are investigating the bank accounts used.
- Similar attempts were made on two other Kanpur residents who alerted police.
How the Scam Unfolded
Between November 9 and 11, Sunita Gaur received frantic calls from individuals claiming to be UP Anti-Terrorism Squad officers. They alleged her mobile number was linked to terrorist activities related to the recent car bomb explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort.
“Your phone is involved in a major terror plot,” they warned, threatening immediate arrest for her and her entire family unless she cooperated.
The Digital Arrest
The fraudsters initiated video calls while wearing what appeared to be official uniforms. They flashed forged documents on screen and demanded Gaur remain ‘under digital arrest’ in her home.
Isolated and petrified, she was instructed not to contact anyone, including the police. “They made it sound so real, like something out of the news,” Gaur recounted. “I genuinely believed it was a legitimate probe. The threats to my family… I just transferred the money right away to prove my innocence.”
Money Transferred and Police Action
Under pressure, Gaur transferred Rs 6.66 lakh from her savings to accounts provided by the scammers. After the calls stopped, she approached authorities.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The Kanpur cybercrime unit is investigating and attempting to trace the bank accounts and phone numbers used.
Police Warning
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anjali Vishwakarma confirmed the incident, noting such scams have increased after the Red Fort blast.
“Fraudsters are exploiting public concern over terrorism cases. No law enforcement agency ever asks for money over phone or video calls to resolve a case,” she stated.
How to Stay Safe
Police advise citizens to immediately report suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the nearest police station. Verify claims through official channels.
Two other Kanpur residents received similar calls during the same period but grew suspicious and contacted police directly, preventing financial loss.
