Pune Senior Citizen Loses Rs 45 Lakh in Cyber Fraud, Falls Victim to ‘Digital Arrest’ Tactic
Cybercriminals impersonating Delhi police officials extort lakhs from a 73-year-old Pashan resident, forcing him into a four-day confinement.
In a distressing case of cyber fraud, a 73-year-old resident of Pashan, Pune, fell victim to an elaborate scam orchestrated by cybercriminals impersonating Delhi police officials. The elderly man, a retired corporate manager, was coerced into transferring a staggering sum of Rs 45 lakh between September 7 and 11, under threats of legal action. The perpetrators falsely accused him of involvement in a money laundering case, forcing him to remain isolated in his home as part of a deceptive ‘digital arrest.’
The victim filed a complaint with the Pune Cybercrime Police after realizing the fraud. Following verification, an FIR was registered at the Baner police station, and Inspector Rani Puri confirmed the details. According to the complaint, the crooks called the victim on September 7, alleging they were from the Delhi police and provided fabricated case numbers and details to establish credibility. The elderly man, who was alone at home while his family was out of Pune, was further harassed through video calls where the scammers threatened him with imminent arrest unless he transferred the money.
In a similar incident, an 84-year-old resident of Sadashiv Peth was swindled out of Rs 25.40 lakh between September 14 and 26. The scammers, also posing as Delhi police officials, accused the victim of involvement in illegal money transfers using his Aadhaar information. The elderly man, under pressure and fearing arrest, transferred the funds to the fraudsters. He reported the crime to the Parvati police, leading to another FIR.
In both cases, the scammers targeted elderly individuals, capitalizing on their vulnerability and isolation. They employed a well-crafted tactic of fear and intimidation, creating a fake narrative that involved the victim’s personal information, such as their Aadhaar number, being implicated in financial crimes. The use of terms like “money laundering” and “drug trafficking” was intended to alarm the victims, making them more compliant with the scammers’ demands.
Authorities have issued a warning to the public to stay vigilant against such fraudulent calls.
