In today’s digital age, scams are becoming more sophisticated and alarming, with one of the latest trends being ‘digital arrest.’ A recent case from Madhya Pradesh’s Indore shows just how devastating these scams can be. A 65-year-old woman was duped out of Rs 46 lakh after being subjected to a fake interrogation that lasted for five days.
The scam unfolded when a member of the fraudster gang called the woman, posing as an officer from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotiya, the scammer informed her that her bank account had been misused for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and terrorist activities. They claimed that due to her supposed involvement, an arrest warrant had been issued against her, reports PTI.
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The scam took a more sinister turn when the fraudster conducted a video call, declaring that she was under “digital arrest.” During this fake interrogation, the woman was subjected to relentless questioning, during which she was threatened with face consequences. The fraudsters warned her that if she didn’t transfer her money to specific accounts they provided, both her and her children’s lives would be in danger.
Terrified by these threats, the woman agreed and transferred a total of Rs 46 lakh in two instalments to various bank accounts indicated by the scammers. It wasn’t until after the transfers that she realised she had been scammed.
She then reported the incident to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the local police. Following her complaint, authorities registered a case against the fraudsters under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and informed about the ever-evolving tactics used by scammers.