A 68-year-old chartered accountant from Bhubaneswar became the latest victim of a sophisticated cyber scam that cost him around Rs 1.5 crore. Fraudsters posing as officials from the CBI, ED, and the Customs Department trapped the victim in what they called a “digital arrest.” Through AI-enhanced video calls and fake legal proceedings, the scammers manipulated him into transferring massive sums of money.
The ordeal began when the victim received a WhatsApp voice call from individuals claiming to be senior officers from central agencies. They falsely accused him of being linked to a money-laundering case tied to his Aadhaar number. What followed was a manipulated video call showing fake courtroom visuals and police officers, convincing him he was under a legal investigation.
The scammers restricted him from contacting anyone, citing “official restrictions,” and pressured him to transfer money to multiple accounts under the guise of legal settlements. Over ten days, the victim sent about Rs 1.5 crore before his family noticed his unusual behaviour and intervened.
Following the family’s alert, a formal complaint was filed with the cyber police station under the State Crime Branch in Cuttack. Authorities are now tracing the IP addresses, payment routes, and communication logs to identify the perpetrators. Ironically, this incident occurred amid a state-led cyber-safety awareness campaign launched in mid-October, underscoring the adaptability of cybercriminals.
Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated visuals, impersonation techniques, and psychological manipulation to isolate victims and force compliance. The Bhubaneswar case serves as a stark reminder that awareness alone isn’t enough; verification and vigilance are critical.
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Here’s what to do if you are trapped in such a scam.