Jabalpur Couple Loses ₹22 Lakh to Digital Arrest Scam

A senior citizen couple from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has allegedly lost ₹22 lakh to a digital arrest scam. The couple, identified as Prakash Paul Shejwal and his wife, were targeted by cyber fraudsters who pretended to be Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials.

The fraudsters contacted the couple on July 22 and claimed that their names were linked to serious criminal cases involving money laundering and drugs. They sent a fake letter allegedly issued by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to make their claims appear genuine.

The suspects warned the couple against informing anyone and kept them under a 'digital arrest' for nearly two weeks. During this period, the fraudsters pressured the couple into breaking their fixed deposit (FD) and transferring the money to accounts provided by the scammers.

The couple withdrew around ₹21 lakh from their FD and transferred the money to the scammers' accounts. The fraudsters then sent fake receipts in the names of the Government of India's Enforcement Department and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), further misleading the victims into believing that the transaction was part of an official investigation.

The couple realized they had been cheated and approached the Civil Lines police, who have registered a case and started an investigation to identify and arrest the cyber criminals involved in the fraud.

This incident highlights the growing concern of digital arrest scams targeting senior citizens. Cyber officials have repeatedly warned people against such scams, emphasizing that government agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and RBI do not conduct investigations or arrests through video calls or demand money transfers over phone calls.

The police are investigating the matter and trying to track down the cyber criminals. The incident serves as a reminder for people to be cautious and vigilant when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies.

The couple's loss of ₹22 lakh is a significant amount, and it is essential for people to be aware of such scams to avoid falling prey to them. The police are working to prevent such incidents and are urging people to report any suspicious activity immediately.

In recent times, there have been several cases of digital arrest scams reported in Madhya Pradesh, and the police are taking steps to prevent such incidents. The public is advised to be cautious and not to transfer money to unknown accounts or provide personal details to strangers.

The incident is a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and cautious when dealing with unknown individuals or agencies. It is essential for people to verify the authenticity of the calls or messages they receive and not to fall prey to such scams.

The police are investigating the matter, and it is hoped that the culprits will be caught soon. The incident serves as a warning to people to be aware of such scams and to take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to them.

In conclusion, the digital arrest scam that targeted the Jabalpur couple is a serious concern, and it is essential for people to be aware of such scams to avoid losing money. The police are working to prevent such incidents, and it is hoped that the public will be more vigilant and cautious in the future.