Digital Arrest" Scam Strikes Retired Banker Couple in Goregaon, Mumbai

Goregaon: A retired banker couple from Goregaon, Mumbai, became victims of a "digital arrest" scam, losing ₹1.33 crore. The scam, which targeted them over 10 days, caused both financial and emotional distress.

In November 2024, the woman received a call from someone claiming to be from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The caller falsely accused her of being involved in a ₹500-crore money laundering case and placed her under "digital arrest." The scammers coerced her into transferring her savings and breaking a ₹35-lakh fixed deposit to "assist" the investigation.

After attempting to withdraw her fixed deposit and seeing a news article on similar scams, the woman recognized the fraud and contacted the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell. Senior Police Inspector Suvarna Shinde and her team immediately launched an investigation.

The Mumbai Police stressed that no law enforcement agency conducts "digital arrests" or issues arrest warrants via WhatsApp. This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrimes targeting senior citizens.

In a "digital arrest" scam, cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials and intimidate victims into transferring funds, using video calls to appear credible.

• Stay calm and verify the identity of callers.

• Never share personal information over unsolicited calls or messages.

• Report suspected scams to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or call helpline 1930.

This growing scam poses a significant risk to senior citizens. Public vigilance and awareness are essential to prevent financial fraud. Authorities continue to combat these cybercrimes.