Senior Citizens Targeted by Fake Court Hearings in Sophisticated Cyber Scams

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Sophisticated Cyber Scam Targets Senior Citizen

A 76-year-old resident of Bengaluru fell prey to a complex cyber fraud operation, where scammers posed as Mumbai Crime Branch officials and a judge, conducting a fake virtual court hearing to coerce the elderly man into transferring ₹16.24 lakh.

Digital Arrest Scam Unfolds

The victim received a call on February 16, 2026, from a person claiming to be an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch, alleging that a mobile number linked to the victim’s identity documents was being used for illicit activities. The caller initiated a series of harassing phone calls and messages, placing the victim under immense mental pressure.

According to a recent report, the scammers threatened the victim with arrest if they did not cooperate, citing their age and health as reasons for not being able to comply.Renowned cyber expert Prof. Triveni Singh

The scammers then proposed an alternative solution, offering the victim the opportunity to participate in an online court hearing via video call. During this virtual hearing, a person posing as a judge appeared and conducted a simulated court procedure, threatening the victim with arrest but promising bail due to their advanced age.

Warning Signs of Digital Arrest Scams

Scammers impersonate police officers, CBI officials, ED personnel, or court authorities to create a false sense of urgency and legitimacy.
They rely heavily on psychological manipulation and social engineering tactics to extract sensitive information and assets from victims.
No government agency conducts arrests over video calls or asks citizens to transfer money for “account verification.”

Experts urge victims to immediately disconnect such calls and contact the cyber helpline 1930 or local police authorities. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are examining the bank accounts, mobile numbers, and digital transaction trails linked to the case, suggesting that the scam may be part of a larger organized cybercrime network operating across multiple states and targeting vulnerable individuals through similar tactics.