Retired Principal Duped of ₹1.85 Crore by Fake Mumbai Crime Branch Officer in Digital Arrest Scam
A Sophisticated Scam Targets Elderly Woman, Resulting in ₹1.85 Crore Loss
A 75-year-old retired principal from Jodhpur was recently duped out of ₹1.85 crore by cybercriminals using a tactic known as “digital arrest.” The scammers, posing as a Mumbai Crime Branch officer, exploited the woman’s loneliness and age to extract funds from her bank accounts.
The Incident
The incident began on February 16, when the victim, Saraswati Maheshwari, received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a law enforcement officer. The caller alleged that a bank account had been opened in her name using her mobile number and Aadhaar card, and that ₹25 lakh had been deposited into it as commission money. The scammer demanded that she “surrender” the money, threatening legal action if she failed to comply.
Under pressure and confusion, Maheshwari began transferring funds from her bank accounts. She issued a cheque worth ₹1.85 crore from the State Bank of India, which was reportedly processed without adequate scrutiny or questioning by bank staff. The scammers continued to apply pressure, instructing her to transfer money from another account and remaining on the phone to ensure she followed their directions.
The Investigation
The fraudsters’ tactics were nearly successful, with Maheshwari also attempting to withdraw money from a Punjab National Bank account. However, bank employees became suspicious of her nervous behavior and inconsistencies in her statements, and the matter was reported to the Rajasthan Cyber Police. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, suspecting the involvement of an organized cybercrime syndicate targeting elderly and isolated individuals.
Cybersecurity experts warn that “digital arrest” scams rely on psychological manipulation, with scammers impersonating law enforcement officials and using fear and panic to extract money from victims.
Concerns and Warnings
The case highlights the emerging pattern of online financial frauds in India, where technical intimidation and social isolation are being used to target vulnerable individuals. The incident also raises concerns about the lack of scrutiny and questioning by bank staff, which allowed the large transaction to be processed without raising any red flags.
The investigation is ongoing, with police examining suspicious bank accounts, call records, and the money trail to determine how the funds were further routed through the network. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when receiving calls from unknown individuals claiming to be government officials and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or bank branch.
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