A 100-year-old man in Lucknow, identified as Hardev Singh—a retired Merchant Navy officer—was subjected to a psychological cyber trap by fraudsters posing as CBI officials. Over a span of six days, the scammers held him in a “digital arrest,” forcing him to stay online and isolated, while threatening legal action if he didn’t comply.
Under intense pressure, his son, Surinder Pal Singh (70), made multiple RTGS transfers from their joint account—₹32 lakh to an account in Bhavnagar, ₹45 lakh to one in Panaji, and ₹52 lakh to Shree Nath Traders in Jalgaon—totaling ₹1.29 crore.
The fraud began on August 20, and the ordeal continued until August 26, when the family realized the deception and filed a complaint with the national cyber helpline (1930) and the Sarojini Nagar police station. A case under Section 66D of the IT Act has been registered, and the cyber cell is investigating using the mobile number used in the call.
Why It Matters: Insights from Similar Incidents
These “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement and leverage fear to extort money, are becoming more common across India:
In Noida, a retired IAF officer and his family were defrauded of ₹3.2 crore after being held under digital arrest for over a month.
In Kolkata, a 68-year-old was scammed out of ₹1.1 crore over six days through a similar tactic.
In Pune, a 69-year-old man lost ₹10.38 lakh following a fake video call that mimicked a police station setting.
Another case in Pune saw a 71-year-old shop owner lose ₹2.6 crore over several weeks to a staged digital arrest involving impersonators of multiple agencies.
Key Takeaways: How to Stay Safe from “Digital Arrest” Scams
| Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Impersonation of Law Enforcement | Scammers pose as CBI/ED/police and use fake video calls or documents. |
| Fear-Induced Compliance | Victims are threatened with false charges like money laundering or drugs. |
| Isolation Tactics | They force victims to stay online continuously and avoid outside contact. |
| Repeated Money Transfers | “Verification” or “settlement” excuses are used to drain accounts gradually. |
| Delayed Realization | Victims often discover the fraud only after huge losses. |
| Quick Reporting is Crucial | Early reporting to cyber helpline 1930 can stop further siphoning. |
Tips to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones
Never share sensitive personal or financial details with unknown callers.
Verify through official numbers/websites instead of trusting unsolicited calls.
Keep communication open—don’t stay isolated during suspicious calls.
Enable bank transaction alerts for instant fraud detection.
Report immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in if you suspect fraud.
Educate elderly family members—they are frequent targets of such scams.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is a “digital arrest” scam?
A digital arrest scam is when fraudsters impersonate law enforcement (CBI, police, ED, etc.) and keep the victim online—via call or video—for hours or even days. They threaten false legal action and extort money under the pretense of “verification” or “settlement.”
Q2. How did the 100-year-old UP man lose ₹1.29 crore?
Fraudsters posing as CBI officials digitally arrested him for six days. His son, fearing consequences, transferred ₹1.29 crore across multiple accounts before realizing it was a scam.
Q3. Why do people fall for digital arrest scams?
Such scams work on fear and isolation. Scammers use legal jargon, fake IDs, and continuous communication to break down victims’ resistance, especially targeting elderly or less tech-savvy individuals.
Q4. What should I do if I receive such a call?
Do not panic or comply with demands.
Disconnect immediately and verify with the official government helpline.
Report the incident at 1930 (Cyber Helpline) or cybercrime.gov.in.
Q5. Can banks recover money lost in digital arrest scams?
Recovery is difficult because fraudsters quickly move funds across multiple accounts. However, early reporting can sometimes freeze transactions. Immediate action is crucial.
Published on : 29th August
Published by : SMITA
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