Another Victim of Fake Digital Arrest! Woman Forced to Part with Rs37.9 lakh

Hyderabad: A 74-year-old retired woman was targeted by scammers via WhatsApp. She received a call claiming to be from Andheri Police Station, stating that an FIR (No MH-1045/0924) had been registered in her name. The scammers alleged that her mobile number was sending harassing texts and advertisements, and that TRAI would deactivate all her mobile numbers linked to her Aadhaar number within 24 hours.

The scammers sent fake letters from CBI and RBI, claiming that her bank account was involved in illegal transactions related to Naresh Goel's international money laundering case. They stated that the Enforcement Directorate was investigating Naresh Goyal, Jet Airways' Founder and Chairman, for foreign exchange violations. The scammers demanded that the victim reveal her bank account details, threatening to freeze her accounts and arrest her if she didn't comply.

They instructed her to deposit her funds into the Reserve Bank of India, promising return with interest. The scammers claimed to be a secret agency and ordered the victim not to disclose the conversation. Under pressure, the victim withdrew her fixed deposit (pensionary benefits) and deposited Rs 37,90,000 into the scammer's account via RTGS. The victim then made a complaint for help.

Police urge public not to get panicky if they receive any threatening video calls claiming themselves to be CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, judges, cybercrimes police, Narcotics, FedEx, BSNL, TRAI and so on. There is no Digital arrest in the system. If a call raises suspicions, individuals should end the call immediately, without engaging further and report to the nearest police station. No govt agency or law enforcement officials will make such Skype calls and demand money for clearing the issue. Scammers can employ psychological tactics to manipulate emotions and decision-making. Do not deposit money to the unknown bank accounts believing false promises of unknown persons.

Anyone becomes victims of cybercrime fraud, immediately call 1930 or register a case cybercrime.gov.in. For any help or complaints related to cybercrime frauds, call the numbers 100 or 112.