Fraudsters posed as TRAI, CBI & cybercrime officials, accusing family of 24 criminal cases.
Victims were kept under 24/7 WhatsApp video surveillance for over a month.
Family transferred Rs 3.21 crore via RTGS to a fake “verification account.”
In yet another case of cyber fraud, a family in Noida’s Sector 77 was duped of Rs 3.21 crore over 38 days in a digital arrest scam, police confirmed on Wednesday. The ordeal began on July 25, when a family member’s retired professional received a call from someone posing as an official of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller falsely claimed that the victim’s Aadhaar and mobile number were linked to illegal activities, including money laundering, and warned that their SIM card would be blocked.
SurveySoon after, the family was contacted via WhatsApp video calls by someone impersonating officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The fraudsters accused the family of being involved in 24 criminal cases.
For the next several weeks, the scammers kept the family under round-the-clock video surveillance through WhatsApp. According to the FIR, the scammer even staged an appearance before a so-called PMLA court judge using a fake WhatsApp link, further threatening the victims.
Under constant pressure, the family was told to transfer all their savings to a “verification account” to prove their innocence. Believing they were cooperating with the authorities, they made multiple RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) transfers between July 25 and September 1, totalling Rs 3.21 crore.
“They (the suspects) manipulated the family by creating fear of arrest and legal consequences. Over 38 days, the victims transferred their life savings in repeated RTGS payments,” said cybercrime branch SHO Ranjeet Singh.
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Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are underway to trace the money trail and identify the perpetrators.
Officials have urged citizens to be aware of such scam calls, as law enforcement agencies never conduct arrests or legal proceedings over WhatsApp calls.
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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
