By The Sampadak Express
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an 86-year-old woman from Mumbai lost over ₹20 crore after falling victim to a digital arrest scam linked to the misuse of her Aadhaar card. The scammers, who posed as police officials, manipulated the elderly woman with threats of legal action and coerced her into transferring large sums of money to multiple bank accounts.
The Scam Unfolds
The fraud began with a call from the scammers, who pretended to be police officers. They told the woman that her Aadhaar card and other personal details had been used to open a new bank account involved in illegal activities, including money laundering. The scammers claimed that her Aadhaar was being misused to initiate money transfers linked to these crimes.
They escalated the scam by informing the woman that legal action would be taken against her if she didn’t comply. They threatened that both her name and her family members, including her daughter, would be implicated in the case. The scammers insisted that she transfer funds to several bank accounts to “settle” the case and avoid criminal charges.‘
Digital Arrest’ to Prevent Reporting
As part of their manipulation, the scammers imposed a ‘digital arrest’ on the woman. They instructed her not to speak to anyone about the situation, effectively isolating her and preventing her from seeking help. The woman, under increasing pressure and the threat of legal consequences, followed their instructions and transferred money from her accounts to the fraudsters.
The Financial Toll
Between December 26 of the previous year and March 3, the scammers managed to deceive the woman into transferring ₹20.25 crore to various accounts. The significant sum highlights the extent of the fraud, as the scammers capitalized on the victim’s fear and confusion.
Realization and Investigation
The scam finally came to light when the woman realized she had been tricked. She immediately contacted the police, who launched a swift investigation into the matter. Law enforcement agencies have tracked the fraudulent transfers and are reportedly holding the scammers in custody.
Ongoing Investigation
While the scammers have been detained, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are working to uncover more details about the operation and identify any accomplices involved in the scam. The police are also investigating how the fraudsters gained access to the victim’s personal information, which may have been used to make the scam seem more credible.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of cybercrimes targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, and the importance of remaining vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls about personal information or financial matters. The authorities have urged the public to verify such claims and avoid transferring money without proper verification.
As the investigation continues, the police have warned citizens to be cautious about sharing personal information over the phone and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
