A scientist employed under the Department of Atomic Energy has fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud scheme known as “digital arrest,” losing ₹71 lakh to fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers, Indore police confirmed on Friday.
The scam, a novel cybercrime method, involves fraudsters making audio or video calls while impersonating law enforcement personnel. They threaten victims with fake legal charges, confining them to their homes through fear of arrest. The victim in this case, a scientific assistant at the Raja Ramanna Advanced Technology Centre (RRCAT), was targeted in this manner on September 1.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia, a fraudster contacted the scientist, claiming to be an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The scammer alleged that illegal advertisements and text messages linked to women harassment had been sent using a SIM card issued in the victim’s name from Delhi.
The fraudsters then escalated the deception by fabricating a scenario involving charges of money laundering and human trafficking, with the scientist being told that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. Another member of the gang, posing as a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer, conducted a fake interrogation of the victim and his wife via video call.
“Out of fear for his safety, the scientist transferred ₹71.33 lakh into various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters,” said Dandotia. The victim, under duress, complied with the fraudulent demands, believing he was avoiding arrest.
Police are currently investigating the scam, which highlights a worrying new trend in cyber fraud tactics. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant against such schemes and report any suspicious calls or messages.
The digital arrest scam is a concerning development in cybercrime, as criminals exploit fear and legal ignorance to extort large sums of money from unsuspecting victims.
Sources By Agencies
