In a chilling case of cyber fraud, a senior citizen couple in Faridabad fell victim to a “digital arrest” scam, where fraudsters impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officers coerced them into transferring a staggering ₹30.20 lakh over a span of three days. The scammers used fear tactics, impersonation in police uniforms, and claims of money laundering charges to manipulate the victims.
The incident has been reported to the Cyber Police Station, NIT Faridabad, and a formal case has been registered.
🧓 Victims Tricked Through Fear of Arrest
According to the complaint filed by Sushma Bhatia, a resident of J Block, NIT-2 Faridabad, the ordeal began on June 16 when she received a call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be an inspector from the Mumbai Crime Branch and abruptly declared that she had been arrested in a financial crime. The call was disconnected, leaving the elderly woman in shock.
Soon after, she received a video call from a different number. On the video feed, a man dressed in a police uniform identified himself as an officer handling a money laundering investigation involving Jet Airways. He told her that she and her husband, Avinash Bhatia, were being placed under digital house arrest and that formal arrest orders would be sent shortly.
🕵️♂️ Fake Police Used “Digital Arrest” Threat
The fraudsters, posing as senior enforcement officials, fabricated a story linking the couple to a Jet Airways money laundering case, stating that their identities had been misused and they were under direct surveillance. Fearing police action and public humiliation, the couple complied with every instruction given over calls and video chats.
The scammers maintained daily communication, pressuring the couple into transferring their life savings. The couple was told that to avoid a formal arrest, they must “cooperate” with the financial investigation by transferring funds for alleged “verification” and “clearance.”
💸 FDs Broken, ₹30 Lakh Transferred
Over three days, the couple broke multiple Fixed Deposits (FDs) and transferred a total of ₹30.20 lakh into bank accounts provided by the scammers. Sushma Bhatia stated in her complaint that they were psychologically trapped by fear and continuous intimidation.
The victims were made to believe they were under digital surveillance and not allowed to leave their house or speak to anyone. However, on the third day, Sushma managed to escape under the pretext of taking a shower and rushed to the local police station to report the fraud.
👮 Investigation Initiated by Cyber Police
The Cyber Crime Police Station, NIT Faridabad, has initiated a detailed probe into the scam. FIR has been lodged, and preliminary investigations are focusing on the bank accounts into which the money was transferred. Authorities are also analyzing call records, video call metadata, and the digital trail left by the accused.
Police sources confirmed that the fraud appears to be part of a larger organized cybercrime racket, possibly operated from another state or overseas. They are working with banking partners and cyber forensics teams to freeze suspect accounts and identify the perpetrators.
🗣️ Police Statement:
A police spokesperson stated:
“This was a meticulously planned cyber fraud targeting elderly citizens. The accused used fake identities, police uniforms, and technical tools to intimidate and extract money. We urge citizens to report such incidents immediately and never respond to such calls without verifying the source.”
⚠️ Public Advisory: Beware of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
The Faridabad Police has issued a public alert, warning residents against the rising trend of digital arrest frauds, especially targeting elderly individuals. Citizens are advised:
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Never share financial information over calls or messages from unknown sources.
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Always verify the caller’s identity through official channels.
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Avoid making payments without legal notices or proper documentation.
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Contact the Cyber Helpline 1930 in case of any suspicious activity.
