In a startling cyber fraud case, an 86-year-old Mumbai lady misplaced Rs 20.25 crore in certainly one of India’s longest-running ‘digital arrest’ scams. Between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025, scammers posing as police officers manipulated her by way of concern of authorized bother, coercing her into transferring the cash.
How the Rs 20 crore digital arrest rip-off unfolded
In line with a report by Indian Categorical, the sufferer obtained a name from people claiming to be law enforcement officials. They alleged that her Aadhaar card had been misused to open a checking account concerned in unlawful actions, together with cash laundering. The scammers threatened her with authorized motion, stating that her title and her members of the family, together with her daughter, could be implicated until she complied.
To keep away from the fabricated expenses, the sufferer was coerced into transferring cash to a number of financial institution accounts. All through the rip-off, the fraudsters instructed her to stay beneath ‘digital arrest,’ forbidding her from sharing the scenario with anybody.
In line with Mumbai Police, the fraudsters employed the “digital arrest” approach, a way the place victims are led to consider they’re beneath official investigation and are being monitored remotely. They used subtle social engineering ways, together with pretend video calls with people impersonating law enforcement officials and authorities officers, to create a way of authenticity and urgency.
“This case highlights the alarming pattern of cybercriminals focusing on weak people, notably senior residents,” stated a senior police official. “The sheer scale of the fraud and the period of the rip-off underscore the necessity for elevated public consciousness and vigilance.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell is working to hint the stream of funds and establish the perpetrators. Authorities are additionally urging the general public to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be legislation enforcement or authorities officers, and to confirm any such claims by way of official channels.
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