Elderly woman duped of ₹73 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ scam as cyber frauds surge

In a disturbing case underscoring the rising threat of cybercrime, an 82-year-old woman from Maharashtra’s Thane district was allegedly cheated of ₹73.3 lakh by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials in a “digital arrest” scam.

According to police, the victim, a resident of Kalyan, was contacted by unidentified individuals between April 6 and 10. The scammers falsely claimed that her mobile number was linked to a Pakistani operative involved in a terror case and threatened her with arrest. Under the pretext of verifying her financial records to clear her name, they coerced her into transferring large sums of money to multiple bank accounts over several days.

The accused reportedly maintained constant contact through phone calls and messaging platforms, creating a sense of fear and urgency. Acting on their instructions, the woman transferred ₹73.3 lakh before realising she had been duped. She subsequently lodged a complaint with the Mahatma Phule Chowk police station, following which a probe was initiated. Police said they have identified several mobile numbers used in the crime and are working to trace the accused.

The incident reflects a growing pattern of “digital arrest” scams across the country, where fraudsters impersonate police or investigative agencies and intimidate victims with fabricated charges. These scams often rely on psychological pressure, forcing individuals particularly senior citizens to comply without verification.

Cybercrime cases in India have seen a significant rise in recent years, with authorities reporting a sharp increase in both the number of incidents and the scale of financial losses. Thousands of cases involving impersonation, financial fraud, and online extortion are reported annually, with losses running into tens of thousands of crores. Experts note that such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using technology and social engineering tactics to appear credible.

Officials have urged citizens to remain vigilant, emphasising that no legitimate law enforcement agency demands money over phone calls or digital platforms for investigations. People are advised to verify any such claims independently and report suspicious communications immediately, as awareness continues to be the most effective defence against cyber fraud.