Fraudsters posed as cyber police on WhatsApp video call, duping Preeti of Rs 14 lakh.
Quick complaint to cyber helpline helped freeze and recover the funds.
Police warn public against panic, urge immediate reporting of such scams.
Digital arrest scams are increasingly common in India. In such cases, fraudsters impersonate police or enforcement officials, often over video calls, and intimidate victims into transferring money under the pretext of investigation or verification. In a recent incident, BJP Chikkaballapura MP K Sudhakar’s wife, Preeti, was duped of Rs 14 lakh in a cyber fraud case involving a “digital arrest” scam. However, Bengaluru police have successfully recovered the amount.
SurveyThe incident took place on August 26. Preeti, 44, a resident of Basaveshwaranagar, received a WhatsApp video call from fraudsters posing as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Police. The callers claimed her bank account was linked to illegal transactions and told her the money had to be transferred to the Reserve Bank of India for “verification.”
She was warned that if she failed to comply, she would be arrested. Under this threat, Preeti transferred Rs 14 lakh from her HDFC Bank account to a YES Bank account provided by the scammers.
Realising she had been defrauded, Preeti complained to the Bengaluru police later the same day. She also called the National Cyber Helpline (1930) within the critical “Golden Hour,” which allows authorities to block fraudulent transactions before they are withdrawn.
Following the complaint, investigators moved quickly and managed to freeze the beneficiary account. On September 3, the 47th ACJM Court issued an order directing YES Bank to return the frozen amount. Acting on the order, the entire sum of Rs 14 lakh was credited back to Preeti’s account.
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Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Division) Girish S confirmed the recovery and said efforts are ongoing to trace the culprits behind the scam. He also advised the public not to panic in the event of such threats and to report any incidents immediately.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
