Navi Mumbai Couple Loses ₹1.57 Crore in Fake Digital Arrest Scam

A 90-year-old retired Central Government pensioner and his wife from Nerul, Navi Mumbai, were allegedly cheated of ₹1.57 crore in a fake digital arrest scam. The scam began on January 12 when the elderly man received a call from a person claiming to be a Public Relations Officer with the Department of Telecommunications.

The caller alleged that the victim's mobile number had been misused in Bengaluru and instructed him to contact a woman officer from the South Bengaluru Police Station through a WhatsApp video call. During the video call, the fraudsters sent forged notices purportedly issued by the Karnataka Police and the Supreme Court, along with other official-looking documents, to gain the victim's confidence.

The gang falsely claimed that his Aadhaar card had been used to obtain a fake SIM card, that an accused in a money laundering case had named him, and that his ATM card had been seized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The fraudsters threatened the couple with prosecution under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and warned them not to leave their house or contact anyone, effectively placing them under a fake 'digital arrest'.

Claiming that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had ordered a financial verification, the gang directed the couple to transfer their savings into multiple bank accounts allegedly authorised by the Supreme Court. The couple transferred ₹1.57 crore through a series of online transactions from four different bank accounts between January 17 and February 25 this year.

After every transfer, the fraudsters sent fake English-language receipts bearing the name of the Supreme Court, stating that arrest warrants had been executed and their assets would soon be frozen. The fraud came to light only after the couple read about similar cases in a newspaper and realised that the promised refund never materialised and the so-called officials began giving evasive responses.

The Navi Mumbai Cyber Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the cyber gang behind the elaborate scam. The police have advised citizens that no government agency conducts a digital arrest or demands money through online transactions.

The incident highlights the need for citizens to be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies. It is essential to verify the authenticity of such calls and not to transfer money without proper verification.

The couple's loss of ₹1.57 crore is a significant amount, and the incident has caused them considerable distress. The police are working to track down the fraudsters and bring them to justice.

The case is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and cautious when dealing with online transactions and communications. Citizens must be aware of the risks of cyber fraud and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

In recent times, there has been a rise in cyber fraud cases in Navi Mumbai, and the police are working to combat this menace. The registration of this case and the launch of an investigation are steps in the right direction to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident has significant implications for the citizens of Navi Mumbai, and it is essential to create awareness about the risks of cyber fraud and the importance of being cautious when dealing with online transactions.

The police are urging citizens to be cautious and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities immediately. By working together, citizens and the police can prevent such incidents and ensure a safer online environment.

In conclusion, the fake digital arrest scam that cheated a Navi Mumbai couple of ₹1.57 crore is a significant incident that highlights the need for citizens to be cautious and vigilant when dealing with online transactions and communications. The police are working to combat cyber fraud, and it is essential for citizens to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.