'Digital Arrest' for 60 Days... 3 Crore Fraud Against a 70-Year-Old Woman
A 70-year-old woman in Dehradun was defrauded of 3 crore rupees by cybercriminals posing as CBI officers and threatening her over a 60-day period.
In Dehradun, a 70-year-old woman fell victim to a sophisticated scam orchestrated by cybercriminals who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials. The scammers conducted a 'digital arrest' for 60 days, manipulating the woman through fear and intimidation. They initiated contact via a video call, claiming that her phone number was linked to a 680 million rupee money laundering case, which was used to coerce her into transferring substantial sums of money from her bank account under the pretense of avoiding arrest.
The woman reported the incident to the cyber police, leading to the registration of a case and the commencement of an investigation. The perpetrators employed psychological tactics, threatening her with imminent arrest and potential legal consequences for her children if she disclosed the scam to anyone. This tactic effectively instilled fear in the victim, allowing the criminals to exploit her vulnerable state and manipulate her into making the fraudulent transfers.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud in India, particularly targeting older and more vulnerable populations. The case emphasizes the need for increased awareness and prevention strategies against such scams, as well as the importance of robust law enforcement measures to combat the rising tide of cybercrime.