Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹32 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam: Held on Video Call for Six Months
In a shocking case that highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime, a Bengaluru woman lost ₹32 crore after falling victim to a digital arrest scam, where fraudsters posing as officials from the CBI coerced her into staying under constant surveillance through Skype video calls for nearly six months. The scammers manipulated her fear, isolated her from family, and forced her to make 187 bank transfers, draining her life savings.
This incident has become one of the most alarming digital-arrest frauds reported in India, raising urgent concerns about public awareness, digital safety, and psychological manipulation used by cybercriminals.
How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
1. Initial Contact and Intimidation
The fraudsters called the woman claiming to be from a delivery company and alleged that a suspicious package linked to her credentials had been seized. They then transferred the call to individuals impersonating CBI officers, who accused her of involvement in financial crimes.
2. Constant Surveillance via Skype
The victim was ordered to stay on a 24×7 Skype video call, supposedly as part of an “ongoing investigation.” The scammers psychologically isolated her, built fear, and controlled her movement and communication.
3. Coercion Into Transferring Money
The fraudsters persuaded her to transfer money into multiple “safe accounts,” claiming it was necessary for verifying her financial records. Over a period of months, she made 187 transfers, amounting to ₹32 crore.
4. Discovery of the Fraud
The case came to light only when a family member noticed unusual behavior and traced her financial activity. She then lodged a complaint with cybercrime authorities.
Why These Scams Are Increasing
Digital-arrest scams have surged in India due to:
High digital adoption
Low awareness of impersonation fraud
Professional-level scripting by scam syndicates
Use of psychological pressure and isolation
Victims' fear of authority figures
This case quickly trended on Google News, demonstrating how rapidly cybercrime stories capture public attention and how users actively search for prevention insights. Blogs covering such topics often get fast indexing because cybercrime awareness articles fall into the category of high-interest, high-engagement news content.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital-Arrest Scams
Government agencies never conduct investigations over video calls.
They never demand money transfers to “safe accounts.”
Never stay isolated or stop communication with family due to instructions from unknown callers.
Always verify calls by contacting official numbers.
Report suspicious behavior immediately to 1930, India’s cybercrime helpline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a digital arrest scam?
A digital arrest scam is a cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate government officials and force victims into staying on continuous video calls while extorting money under the guise of investigations.
2. Do agencies like CBI or police conduct arrests through video calls?
No. Legitimate law-enforcement authorities never arrest, interrogate, or monitor individuals via Skype, WhatsApp, or any video-call platform.
3. Why do victims comply for so long?
Scammers use fear, authority pressure, psychological manipulation, and isolation to control victims over extended periods.
4. How can I verify if a call from a government agency is real?
Always disconnect and call the official helpline or the local police station. Government agencies do not ask for secrecy.
5. What should I do if I suspect a digital-arrest attempt?
Stop communication immediately and report it to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Published on : 17TH November
Published by : SARANYA
Source Credit ; Nagarjun Dwarakanath
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