A noteworthy case has emerged from Pune, where an 81-year-old father successfully prevented his son and daughter-in-law from becoming victims of a digital arrest scam. His quick thinking and awareness saved the family from a potential fraud involving a sum of Rs 12 lakh. Following the incident, the son, a chemical engineer, lodged a formal complaint with law enforcement authorities.
Details of the Scam
The scam began when the son received a call on April 19 at approximately 11:00 AM. The call, made through WhatsApp, was from someone purporting to be a police officer from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, but was actually a cyber fraudster. During the conversation, the caller informed the son that a parcel addressed to him had been intercepted by law enforcement. The caller alleged that the parcel contained five false passports and narcotics, claims the victim denied vehemently.
As the conversation progressed, the caller made serious accusations against the son and stated that he would have to undergo a “high-level inquiry.” The intimidation tactics were employed to instil fear and urgency, further escalating the situation. The caller insisted that the victim and his wife install the Signal messaging app for a video call.
During this video call, the fraudster appeared dressed as a police officer, claiming to conduct an investigation. The couple faced additional serious allegations and were cautioned not to reveal any information about the ongoing situation to anyone. Effectively, they were placed under what was termed a “digital arrest,” experiencing psychological pressure while confined to their home.
The harassment did not cease as the fraudsters prolonged the interrogation late into the night. They demanded personal information, including Aadhaar card details, and pressured the victim to transfer Rs 12 lakh, assuring him that doing so would clear his name from the supposed case against him.
Father’s Timely Intervention
Amidst the distress of his son, the elder father observed the emotional turmoil and inquired about what was happening. His questioning led to the revelation of the fraudulent scheme. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the victim promptly contacted local police to report the incident and formally lodged a complaint against the scammers.