​A 70-year-old woman from T. Nagar, Chennai, has reportedly lost nearly ₹1 crore to a cyber fraud scheme known as the “digital arrest” scam. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and falsely accuse the victim of serious crimes like money laundering or terrorism financing. They use high-pressure tactics, including threats of arrest and fabricated evidence, to coerce the victim into transferring large sums of money. The victim was allegedly coerced into transferring the funds through RTGS to an ICICI Bank account. The fraudsters also instructed her to remain on a video call overnight, claiming she would be under surveillance.

This incident is part of a troubling trend where senior citizens are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. In another case, a 78-year-old woman in South Mumbai lost ₹1.5 crore to scammers posing as Delhi Police officers. The fraudsters convinced her she was under investigation for money laundering and drug trafficking, leading her to transfer large sums of money.

These scams often involve sophisticated methods, including fake documents, impersonation of officials, and psychological manipulation. Victims are typically isolated and may not have immediate access to support, making them more vulnerable to such schemes.​

If you or someone you know is a senior citizen, it’s crucial to stay informed about such scams. Here are some preventive measures:

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement.
• Do not share personal information: Never share personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
• Consult family or friends: Before taking any financial action, consult with trusted family members or friends.​
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to local authorities immediately.

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