A retired woman from the Social Welfare Department in Chandigarh fell victim to a digital arrest scam and lost Rs 25 lakh to fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials. The incident took place in Sector-50’s Progressive Society and marks the third such case reported in just three days at the Cybercrime Police Station in Chandigarh.
According to the victim, Harbir Kaur, the scam began on September 20 last year when she received a phone call from a man claiming to be Rahul Sharma from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). He alleged that a SIM card in her name was being used for illegal activities in Delhi and that a case had been registered against her with the Delhi Crime Branch.
Shortly after, another person, identifying himself as Rakesh Kumar, contacted her and elaborated on the alleged legal complications. He even video-called her, appearing to be in a police station, which convinced her of the authenticity of the accusations.
Using fear and manipulation, the scammers coerced Kaur into revealing her financial details. They claimed her funds needed to be verified for legitimacy and instructed her to transfer money for the process. Under pressure, she broke her fixed deposit and, over two days—September 20 and 21—transferred Rs 25 lakh into multiple bank accounts, including Rs 10 lakh in one transaction and Rs 7.5 lakh each in two others.
The Cybercrime Cell has since issued a public advisory, warning citizens about the growing threat of digital arrest scams. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating police or government officials, using technology and psychological pressure to trick individuals into revealing personal data or transferring money.
Scammers often manipulate caller IDs to make it appear they are calling from an official number, heightening the sense of urgency and fear.
Also Read: Elderly K'taka couple ends lives after digital arrest threat
DSP (Cyber Cell) Venkatesh emphasised that law enforcement agencies do not contact individuals out of the blue to demand personal or financial details. He urged the public to verify the identity of any such caller and not to trust phone numbers or email addresses at face value. People should always cross-check such claims through official websites or by contacting verified authorities directly.
He also warned that genuine government officials never ask for money through unconventional means like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If anyone demands payment in such forms while claiming to be an official, it is a clear red flag.
In case of any suspicion, the DSP advised people to immediately cut off communication and never share sensitive information such as bank details or login credentials unless they are completely sure about the authenticity of the person they are dealing with.
Also Read: Retired Col, wife duped of ₹3.4 cr in digital arrest scam
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