MUMBAI: Maharashtra Cyber helped rescue a 74-year-old woman in New Delhi from an ongoing digital arrest scam after investigators traced a suspicious Rs 14 lakh bank transfer during a separate cyber fraud investigation in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The woman had already transferred around Rs 27 lakh to fraudsters when authorities intervened, preventing further financial losses.
The breakthrough came during an investigation into a digital arrest fraud in which another elderly woman from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar allegedly lost nearly Rs 3 crore. While tracing the stolen funds, investigators identified a suspicious bank account that had received approximately Rs 89 lakh linked to the fraud.
A fresh Rs 14 lakh transfer into the account from another individual through UCO Bank raised concerns that another person could be under attack.
Maharashtra Cyber obtained the sender’s Know Your Customer (KYC) details from the bank and established that the transaction originated from a woman living in Delhi. Investigators alerted Delhi Police on October 13, sharing financial records and technical information that helped locate and rescue her.
An FIR is being processed in connection with the Delhi case.
Maharashtra Cyber has warned citizens that digital arrest is not a recognised legal procedure in India. Police and government agencies do not demand money over video calls to prevent arrest.
Reader’s Note: Fraudsters often impersonate police officers and government officials to intimidate victims into transferring money. Do not send money in response to threats of arrest. Report cyber financial fraud immediately by calling 1930 or visiting the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
