Mumbai Police Data Protection Scam: Rs 63.30 Lakh Lost to Digital Arrest Fraud

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Cyber Scammers Impersonate Indian Authorities to Swindle Millions

A sophisticated cyber scam has resulted in a significant financial loss for a city resident, who was duped out of Rs 63.30 lakh by fraudsters posing as officials from the Data Protection Board of India and the Mumbai Police. The scammers employed a tactic known as a “digital arrest” scam, where they impersonate law enforcement or regulatory agencies to extort money from victims.

Modus Operandi

According to police reports, the victim was contacted by an individual claiming to be “Sudeep,” who alleged that the victim’s Aadhaar number and bank accounts were linked to illicit activities. The scammer, who appeared to be wearing a police uniform and displayed an official-looking backdrop during a video call, threatened the victim with severe legal consequences if they did not comply with their demands.

Under duress, the victim transferred funds from their account at South Indian Bank and their wife’s accounts at Bank of Baroda to accounts in Yes Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and ICICI Bank over a 10-day period. The scammers instructed the victim to make multiple transactions, which totaled Rs 63.30 lakh.

Warning to the Public

This type of scam has been on the rise in recent months, with fraudsters using fear and intimidation to coerce victims into transferring money. Law enforcement officials have cautioned the public that no legitimate government agency conducts investigations or demands money transfers through phone or video calls.

To avoid falling prey to such scams, citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution when receiving calls from individuals claiming to be police or regulatory officials. They should not trust uniforms, ID cards, or official-looking backdrops displayed on video calls as proof of authenticity. Instead, they should disconnect the call and verify the authenticity of the caller through the official website or helpline of the concerned agency.

Prevention is Key

Cyber experts emphasize that fear is a key tool used by scammers to force quick decisions. “Fear is their most powerful tool,” officials noted. Promptly reporting suspicious calls to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or approaching the nearest cyber crime police station can help prevent such incidents.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, with authorities examining transaction details and working to identify and freeze the recipient accounts.