Bengaluru Woman Loses ₹32 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Cyber Fraud

A Bengaluru resident, Sushma Pant, fell victim to a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ cyber scam, losing ₹32.17 lakh to fraudsters who falsely claimed her son was involved in a serious criminal case. The scammers threatened that both mother and son would be arrested if she did not comply.

On November 19, Pant received a call from individuals impersonating officers of the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime Wing. They alleged her son’s Aadhaar and bank credentials were being used in a money laundering investigation and sent fake documents, including a Supreme Court letter, claiming an arrest warrant had been issued.

**Scare Tactics: ‘Digital Arrest’**

The scammers used psychological pressure, instructing Pant to:

* Disconnect from family and friends

* Remain confined at home

* Stay online constantly under alleged “surveillance”

They claimed her bank accounts and communications were monitored due to “national security concerns” and convinced her to transfer funds to multiple accounts as “verification deposits”:

| Date | Amount Lost | Mode / Details |

| —— | —————– | ——————————————— |

| 19 Nov | ₹27.12 lakh | Online transfers to multiple mule accounts |

| 20 Nov | ₹2.05 lakh | Payment to fake “Taxation Department” account |

| 26 Nov | ₹3 lakh | Transfer made under threat of arrest |

| 29 Nov | ₹7 lakh attempted | Family intervened before payment |

The total sum siphoned reached ₹32.17 lakh across 11 accounts, likely operated by money mules in different states.

**How the Scam Works**

Cybercrime officials warn that ‘digital arrest’ scams are spreading rapidly in urban areas. The modus operandi typically involves:

1. Accusing the victim of criminal activity

2. Isolating them digitally and emotionally

3. Threatening immediate arrest or legal action

4. Demanding urgent fund transfers to avoid “custodial interrogation”

5. Claiming government surveillance to prevent communication

Even educated and financially stable individuals have fallen prey, as fear can override rational decision-making.

**Police Advisory**

Authorities urge citizens to remain calm and follow these precautions:

* No law enforcement agency arrests people over phone or video

* No government body demands money to avoid legal action

* Never share personal or banking information with unknown callers

* Immediately disconnect if threatened

* Report incidents promptly via Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930 or Cyber Crime Portal: [cybercrime.gov.in](https://cybercrime.gov.in)

“Fear is the biggest weapon these criminals use,” said a cybercrime official. “Public awareness is the strongest defence.”