A 75-year-old woman and her husband in Rajkot, Gujarat, allegedly lost Rs 55.5 lakh in a week-long “digital arrest” scam after fraudsters posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers accused them of having links to terrorism and cybercrime.
According to the complaint, the scammers contacted Geetaben Bhupatray Bhayani through a WhatsApp call on Aug. 18 and claimed that she and her husband were under investigation. They allegedly sent forged documents, including papers purportedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India, to make the threats appear genuine.
The couple was instructed to remain inside their home, avoid speaking to anyone and follow the callers’ directions. The fraudsters allegedly warned that any attempt to seek help would result in their immediate arrest.
Fearing legal action, the couple transferred Rs 55.5 lakh to multiple bank accounts. The scammers then demanded another Rs 41 lakh, prompting the couple to begin liquidating their fixed deposits.
Their daughter, who lives in Mumbai, became suspicious and alerted the Rajkot Cyber Crime Police. Officers reached the couple’s home, reassured them and stopped the additional transfer.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.
