Thane senior citizen loses ₹23.5 lakh to ‘Digital arrest’ cyber scam

A 68-year-old man from Maharashtra’s Thane district was allegedly cheated of ₹23.5 lakh after cyber fraudsters threatened him with “digital arrest”, marking the second such incident reported in the district within a week, police said on Monday.

According to the police, the incident occurred between December 8 and December 12 , when the senior citizen received WhatsApp video calls from two unidentified persons posing as officials from law enforcement and government agencies. The callers claimed that the victim’s bank transactions were “suspicious” and linked to alleged financial irregularities, creating panic and fear.

Assistant Inspector Vinod Patil of Mahatma Phule police station said the fraudsters told the man that a case could be registered against him and that he could be placed under “digital arrest” a term used by cybercriminals to intimidate victims into compliance. They assured him that legal action could be avoided if he cooperated fully and followed their instructions.

During multiple video calls, the accused allegedly kept the victim under constant pressure, repeatedly warning him of arrest and legal consequences. Under this psychological coercion, the senior citizen was forced to transfer money through several online transactions. Over four days, he transferred a total of ₹23.5 lakh to bank accounts specified by the fraudsters.

The fraud came to light only after the victim shared his ordeal with acquaintances, who alerted him to the possibility of a scam. He then approached the police and lodged a complaint. Based on this, the Kalyan police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The fraud came to light only after the victim shared his ordeal with acquaintances, who alerted him to the possibility of a scam. He subsequently approached the police and lodged a complaint in 2024 . Based on this, the Kalyan police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, officials said, adding that additional sections may be invoked as the investigation progresses .

“We are analysing bank transaction details, call records and other digital evidence to track down the accused,” Patil said, adding that efforts are underway to trace the money trail and identify those involved.

Police have once again urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious. Authorities clarified that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests, investigations or financial verifications through WhatsApp or video calls. People are advised not to share personal or banking details, avoid making payments under threat, and immediately report such incidents to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or call the cybercrime helpline number 1930 , besides informing the nearest police station.