A case of peculiar and grave deception has come to light in the city, wherein a septuagenarian retired school principal is reported to have been defrauded of the colossal sum of ₹1.02 crore. The act, executed through digital means, involved miscreants impersonating officials of law enforcement, employing the novel and alarming ruse now colloquially dubbed as the “digital arrest scam.”
The victim, aged 72, formerly held a reputable post as the head of a prominent educational institution in Mumbai. According to information furnished by the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell, she was first contacted late last month via telephone and subsequently through video conferencing. The impersonators, purporting to be senior officers of the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Mumbai Police, claimed that the lady was implicated in a case concerning money laundering and drug trafficking.
Employed High-Tech Trickery
In a feat of technological deception, the perpetrators utilised falsified video backgrounds resembling police stations and official insignia, lending a false sense of legitimacy. The woman, who had never before encountered such accusations, was informed that she must remain on the video call continuously as part of a so-called “digital investigation.”
Out of fear and bewilderment, and under the duress of constant surveillance, the victim is said to have transferred funds over several bank transactions, spanning nearly two weeks. The sums were allegedly meant to secure her “digital bail” and authenticate her identity. These payments were made to multiple bank accounts under fictitious names.
Authorities have categorised the episode as part of a rising trend in cyber fraud in India, especially those targeting senior citizens through online extortion and video call scams.
Officials Voice Grave Concern
An officer attached to the Cyber Crime Division remarked, “The miscreants have demonstrated a troubling level of sophistication. From forged official documents to voice modulation, every tactic was employed to instill fear and gain trust. We urge the public, especially the elderly, to exercise caution.”
In recent months, the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell has documented an uptick in such crimes, wherein unsuspecting citizens—predominantly pensioners—are misled into believing they are involved in criminal activity.
Investigations Underway
Police have initiated a detailed probe, tracing the digital and financial footprints of the accused. Preliminary findings indicate that the bank accounts used may be part of a larger interstate, and possibly international, racket. Collaboration with central cybercrime units has been sought.
Cautionary Note to the Public
This case serves as a stern warning to the public on the evolving dangers of digital communication. Authorities recommend that individuals receiving suspicious calls immediately disengage and report the matter to the appropriate helpline.
The National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and the cybercrime.gov.in portal remain the designated channels for reporting such offences.
