Retired officer duped out of ₹90 lakh in digital arrest scam: 5 ways to stay safe online

According to a recent report by India Today, a 73-year-old retired Finance Department officer from Lucknow was trapped in an elaborate cyber fraud. In the scam, fraudsters posed as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell.

How was the scam carried out?

The victim, Amarjeet Singh, was kept under ‘digital arrest’ for nearly 25 days. He was threatened through video calls and told that an arrest warrant had been issued against him at the cyber police station in Mumbai. Under pressure, the scammers coerced him into transferring money for a supposed investigation.

Feeling isolated and panicked, Singh ended up transferring nearly ₹90 lakh through RTGS, UPI and by breaking fixed deposits. The fraud came to light only when his son noticed his distressed behaviour and alerted the cyber police. Since then, police have frozen part of the money and launched a multi-state probe.

This case is another example of the importance of staying informed and vigilant. It also highlights how fear-driven cyber scams are evolving in the country. Considering the above scam, here are the key lessons for future borrowers, senior citizens, bank account holders, and credit card users to protect themselves from such scams.

Five key lessons to keep in mind:

1. There is no such thing as a ‘digital arrest’:
   Under the Indian Constitution, there is no provision for digital arrest. Digital arrest, hence, is nothing but a scam. Law enforcement agencies do not arrest or investigate by holding anyone accountable digitally. They also never demand money, official documents or personal details over video calls or messaging applications.
2. Never act under pressure or fear:
   Fraudsters deliberately create urgency and panic. This is done to prevent victims from thinking rationally and making informed decisions. If you ever face such pressure, never give in; instead, promptly reach out to the relevant authorities for help.
3. Authorities never ask for money transfers:
   No police, court, or government agency will ask for funds to be transferred for “verification” or “investigation.” All such requests should be rejected firmly and clearly without any hesitation.
4. Verify independently before taking action:
   Always verify claims by contacting local police, your bank, or a trusted family member. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, never panic; stay calm and respond professionally. Report all such calls, messages and emails to the concerned cyber cell authorities.
5. Report suspicious activity immediately:
   If you encounter any such scam and suffer financial losses, you must report the entire incident to banks and cybercrime helplines promptly. Early reporting can help prevent account freezing, recovery calls, damage to credit scores and limit losses.

As digital transactions grow, vigilance, not just wealth, has become an individual's most valuable asset.

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