Mumbai: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an 86-year-old
woman from Mumbai lost a staggering ₹20.25 crore after falling
victim to a digital arrest scam. The fraudsters, posing as police
officials, deceived her by claiming that her Aadhaar card had been
misused for illegal activities.
How the Scam Unfolded
According to a report by The Indian Express, the
incident took place between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025. It all
began with a phone call where the scammers informed the elderly woman
that her Aadhaar card had been used to open a bank account linked to
suspicious money transfers and illegal activities, including money
laundering.
The Threat and Manipulation
Once the victim was convinced that her identity had been
misused, the fraudsters escalated their scam by issuing a threat of legal
action. They falsely claimed that the case not only involved her but
also implicated her family members, including her daughter.
To "settle" the case and avoid arrest, the
woman was instructed to transfer large sums of money to multiple bank
accounts.
Digital Arrest: A Tactic to Isolate the Victim
The scammers also placed the woman under "digital
arrest," preventing her from communicating with anyone or sharing
details of the case. Under this psychological pressure, she followed their
instructions and transferred the enormous sum over a period of three months.
Discovery and Police Investigation
The fraud was exposed only after the woman realized that she
had been deceived. She immediately reported the matter to the Mumbai
Police, who launched an investigation into the case.
Authorities have since traced the financial transactions
and reportedly detained the scammers involved. The investigation is
still ongoing to uncover the full extent of the cybercrime operation.
Cyber Fraud Awareness: A Growing Concern
This case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber
frauds and the need for public awareness. Scammers often impersonate law
enforcement officers, banks, or government officials to instill fear and
manipulate victims into parting with their money.
Key Takeaways to Avoid Such Scams:
- Verify
Identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the
police, always verify their credentials by contacting official helplines.
- Do
Not Transfer Money: Government officials never demand payments
to "settle" legal matters.
- Beware
of Digital Arrests: No legitimate authority will prevent you from
contacting family or legal counsel.
- Report
Suspicious Calls: Immediately report any suspicious calls or messages
to cybercrime authorities.
The Mumbai Police urge citizens to stay vigilant and
report such frauds to prevent further financial losses.