Mumbai: A Senior Citizen Trapped by the Menace of Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud

Mumbai: A disturbing case of cyber fraud recently came to light from Mumbai, where a 70-year-old retired man was allegedly cheated of nearly forty lakh rupees through an elaborate scam involving intimidation and a fabricated digital arrest. The incident highlights how cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting fear, technology, and lack of awareness to target elderly individuals living alone, using sophisticated narratives that appear official and convincing.

Background of the Victim and Initial Contact

The complainant is a retired senior citizen residing in Sarvodaya Nagar in the Mulund area of Mumbai. He lives alone, while his two sons are settled in the United States. According to police records, the incident began in December when the elderly man received a phone call from an unknown individual who introduced himself as an employee of a courier company. The caller claimed that a parcel sent to Bangkok using the victim’s Aadhaar details had been intercepted by customs authorities.

The caller further alleged that the parcel contained objectionable material, creating immediate panic and confusion in the mind of the complainant. The fraudster used official-sounding language and spoke with confidence, which made the claims appear legitimate to the unsuspecting senior citizen.

False Cyber Cell Narrative and Escalation

After the initial call, the conversation was transferred to another individual who claimed to be a cyber cell officer. This person introduced himself as Amit and alleged that drugs had been found in the parcel. To intensify the pressure, the accused falsely linked the case to a prominent MLA, giving the impression that the matter was extremely serious and politically sensitive.

The fraudster strictly warned the complainant not to disclose the matter to anyone, including family members, citing threats to his safety and legal consequences. He insisted that full cooperation was necessary for the investigation to proceed smoothly, thereby isolating the victim emotionally and psychologically.

Threats of Arrest and Psychological Pressure

Despite the senior citizen repeatedly denying any involvement and clarifying that he had never sent any parcel abroad, the accused continued to intimidate him. He was threatened with arrest and long-term imprisonment if he failed to cooperate. The fraudster also questioned him about his financial status and accused him of possessing large sums of money obtained through suspicious means.

One of the most alarming aspects of the scam was the concept of a so-called digital arrest. The complainant was told that he would be confined to his home, prohibited from contacting anyone, and kept under continuous police surveillance through digital monitoring. These threats created intense fear, leaving the elderly man mentally distressed and vulnerable.

Financial Exploitation and False Assurance

Under extreme pressure and fear of legal action, the complainant agreed to comply with the demands made by the accused. Over a period of time, he transferred approximately forty lakh rupees to multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He was assured that this amount was required only for verification purposes and would be fully refunded once the investigation concluded.

A few days later, the accused contacted him again, claiming that the inquiry had been completed and that no arrest would be made. They promised to return the money after deducting two percent as processing charges. However, after this conversation, the fraudsters stopped responding to calls, and the promised refund never materialized.

Police Complaint and Ongoing Investigation

Realizing that he had been deceived, the senior citizen approached the local police station and the Eastern Region Cyber Cell to lodge a formal complaint. After preliminary verification, the police registered a case against four unidentified individuals under relevant provisions related to cheating and cybercrime.

The case has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are currently working to trace the bank accounts used to receive the funds and identify the account holders involved in the fraudulent transactions.

Growing Threat to Senior Citizens

This case serves as a stark reminder of how cybercriminals are increasingly targeting elderly individuals by exploiting their trust and fear of legal authorities. The use of terms like digital arrest, fake cyber cell officers, and fabricated international crime links makes these scams appear authentic, even to educated individuals.

Law enforcement agencies continue to urge citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious and verify any such claims directly with official authorities. Awareness and timely reporting remain the strongest tools to prevent such incidents and bring cybercriminals to justice.