Bihar Retiree Recovers ₹35.74 Lakh Lost in Digital Scam
A 73-year-old retired government employee in Bihar successfully retrieved the entire ₹35.74 lakh stolen through a digital arrest scam, marking the first complete recovery of such a significant amount in Darbhanga district.
The Scam Unveiled
The victim, Ram Bahadur Kamat from Lakshmi Sagar Gangwara, was initially contacted by individuals claiming to represent the Mumbai Cyber Crime unit. They alleged that an account linked to his Aadhaar number had been used for illicit transactions, a false premise that initiated the fraud.
The Digital Arrest Method
The scam followed a well-established pattern. Kamat was subjected to intense pressure via video calls, a method known as digital arrest, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to simulate an ongoing investigation. Despite no legal authority permitting arrests through video calls, the use of uniforms, technical jargon, and simulated surveillance created a convincing illusion of legitimacy.
The False Verification Request
A second caller, posing as a Canara Bank representative, instructed Kamat to transfer the funds to another account for “verification,” promising swift return within a week. Believing the deception, he complied.
The Recovery Process
When the money was not returned, he reported the incident to cyber police on 12 February 2026. The cyber police traced and froze the funds within six months of the complaint being filed, highlighting the importance of timely action in such cases.
Challenges in Tracking Funds
Digital arrest scams have emerged as a major financial threat in India, with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre documenting losses exceeding hundreds of crores in 2024 alone. The cumulative impact of such schemes has continued to rise, with total losses now reaching thousands of crores over recent years.
Coordinated Efforts for Recovery
The recovery process involved coordinated efforts across multiple states, as stolen funds are typically routed through a network of mule accounts within hours. Authorities emphasized that reporting within six hours of a fraudulent transfer enables banks and police to block a substantial portion of the stolen funds.
Authorities emphasized that reporting within six hours of a fraudulent transfer enables banks and police to block a substantial portion of the stolen funds. Nationally, collaboration between the 1930 helpline and partner banks has facilitated partial recovery of reported losses.
Key Takeaways and Advice
Kamat’s case underscores the critical role of prompt reporting in securing full restitution. Cyber police in Darbhanga noted that delays often allow funds to be dispersed across multiple accounts, complicating traceability.
Preventive Measures
Officials reiterated that no legitimate agency would request money transfers via phone or video call during an investigation. Victims are advised to terminate communication immediately and report incidents through the 1930 helpline or local cyber crime units.
Future Investigations
Investigators are continuing to trace the financial trail to identify those responsible for the scam, while the recovered funds have already been restored to Kamat’s account.
Conclusion
This case highlights the growing threat of digital arrest scams and the importance of public awareness and swift action. Authorities continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and immediate reporting to mitigate financial losses.
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