An 80-year-old retired official from the Maharashtra Water Conservation Department has fallen victim to a “digital arrest” scam, resulting in a loss of ₹4.2 crore. Cybercriminals impersonated law enforcement officers and coerced the victim into transferring the funds under the pretense of avoiding legal consequences. This incident underscores the growing threat of such scams targeting senior citizens.

“Digital arrest” scams involve fraudsters posing as officials from agencies like the CBI or police, accusing individuals of serious crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking. Victims are often subjected to continuous surveillance via video calls and are pressured into transferring large sums of money to “verify” their innocence. These scams have been reported across various parts of India, including Pune, Kolkata, Mohali, and Hyderabad.

The scale of these scams is alarming. Between January and April 2025, Indians lost approximately ₹120 crore to digital arrest frauds. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized that no legitimate government agency conducts investigations or arrests over phone or video calls. He advises citizens to stay calm, avoid sharing personal information, and report such incidents immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.

If you or someone you know receives a suspicious call or message, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and report it promptly to prevent further financial loss.

Sources