Fraudsters posed as telecom officials and Mumbai Crime Branch officers, tricking the victim with fake warrants and legal threats.
Terrified by threats against her and her family, the nursing officer transferred Rs 7 lakh, believing she was cooperating with authorities.
Citizens are warned that no agency demands money over calls; people should avoid sharing details and promptly report such scams.
The cases of Digital arrest scams have been rising. In yet another case of digital arrest scams, a 51-year-old nursing officer has lost a whopping Rs 7 lakh after being tricked by fraudsters pretending to be from the telecommunications department. The victim’s ordeal began on July 18, around 4:56 pm, when she received a call from a person claiming to be from the telecommunications department.
SurveyThe caller alleged that her Aadhaar card was being used to issue a phone number involved in illegal activities. She was told to lodge a police complaint, and failing to do so may get her Aadhaar card blacklisted.
She was then given the Mumbai Crime Branch contact number, following which the call abruptly ended. After that, the victim received a WhatsApp video call from the scammers, impersonating a Mumbai Crime Branch officer. They told her that she is under surveillance for 24 hours and convinced her not to contact anyone. She was even warned of severe consequences, and her husband’s life would be endangered.
According to reports, fraudsters further turned off their camera during the video call and sent her a photo of a businessman involved in money laundering. They claimed an ATM card in her name had been found at his house. To make the scam believable, the gang even sent her forged documents, including a fake CBI warrant, a Supreme Court order, an FIR, and Enforcement Directorate notices. Terrified, the woman was forced to write a letter as instructed.
Believing she was cooperating with authorities, she even transferred Rs 7 lakh.
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Notably, such scams are becoming increasingly common. The fraudsters typically use fear, threatening arrests or legal action, to pressure victims into compliance. Authorities have urged people to remain cautious, stressing that no government agency will ever demand money over the phone. Citizens are advised never to share personal or banking details with unknown callers and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent law enforcement.
The police also urged people to report such incidents promptly to improve the chances of tracking and recovering stolen funds.
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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
