Digital arrest scam: Mumbai woman forced to strip, loses Rs 1.7 lakh

In today’s digital age, online scams have become alarmingly common, and unfortunately, many people fall victim to them. A recent case in Mumbai highlights the dangers of such scams and serves as a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant. A 26-year-old woman from Borivali East was tricked by fraudsters posing as Delhi Police officials, resulting in a traumatic experience and a financial loss of Rs 1.7 lakh.

The woman, who works for a pharma company, received a call from the fraudsters on November 19. They accused her of being involved in a money laundering case related to businessman Naresh Goyal. Claiming to be Delhi Police officers, they threatened her with arrest and insisted she cooperate in a video call for questioning. Under pressure, the woman was forced to book a hotel room, believing it was part of the process.

Also read: Mumbai woman kept under digital arrest for a month, loses Rs 3.8cr: Tips to stay safe

The situation took a horrifying turn when the fraudsters convinced her to transfer Rs 1,78,000 for bank account verification. But the manipulation didn’t stop there. They instructed her to strip for a body verification on the call. Realising she had been duped, the woman filed an FIR with the Mumbai police on November 28.

A case of extortion and harassment has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the IT Act. 

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by digital fraud and the lengths criminals will go to exploit their victims.

Also read: Noida woman loses Rs 34 lakh after fraudsters keep her in 24hrs digital arrest

How to protect yourself from such scams

• Always verify identity: If you receive an unexpected call from authorities or a government agency, hang up and contact the agency directly using official numbers.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information: Never share personal details, financial information, or passwords over calls or online, especially if you weren’t expecting to be contacted.
• Don’t comply with threats: Fraudsters often use threats of arrest or legal action to scare you into compliance. Always seek legal advice and report suspicious calls to authorities immediately.
• Look for red flags: Calls demanding money or personal details are almost always scams.