Mumbai Woman Forced to Strip, Scammed of ₹1.7 Lakh in Shocking ‘Digital Arrest’ Racket

A 26-year-old woman from Mumbai recently became a victim of a disturbing scam known as “digital arrest” fraud. Criminals posing as Delhi Police officers coerced her into stripping during a video call and swindled her out of ₹1.7 lakh. This case highlights the growing trend of such scams, where fraudsters trick victims into believing they are under virtual arrest.

An Unexpected Call

The woman lives in Borivali East and works for a pharmaceutical company. On November 19, she received a phone call from scammers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering investigation. They linked her to Naresh Goyal, the jailed founder of Jet Airways.

The impersonators posed as police officers. They threatened her with arrest when she did not cooperate. Feeling frightened and confused, she listened to their demands.

The Coercion Begins

To escalate their intimidation, the scammers changed the conversation to a video call. They informed the woman that she was under a “digital arrest.” They pressured her to comply with their instructions, stating that her virtual detention would continue unless she obeyed.

In an attempt to continue the interrogation, they told her to book a hotel room. When she checked in, the fraudsters demanded she transfer ₹1.78 lakh to verify her bank account details.

Escalating Demands

The situation grew increasingly alarming. The scammers insisted that she strip during the video call for a so-called “body verification.” Trusting their claims and feeling trapped, she complied. In total, she transferred the requested amount and followed their instructions.

It was only later that she realized she had been tricked. This painful realization led her to file a police complaint on November 28, seeking justice and assistance.

Police Action and Awareness Campaigns

The local police have registered a case under several relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhit and the Information Technology Act. Investigations are currently underway to locate the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

This incident is just one example of a larger pattern of “digital arrest” fraud. Such scams have increased in prevalence, with criminals misleading victims into believing they are under virtual detention. Victims are consequently threatened with severe consequences if they do not follow the fraudsters’ instructions. Often, this includes transferring large sums of money.

Previous Victim: A High-Profile Case

In a similar case, fraudsters used Naresh Goyal’s name to trick Shri Paul Oswal, the chairman of the Vardhman Group. Oswal was duped out of ₹7 crore using the same “digital arrest” strategy.

Victims are left feeling vulnerable and fearful, many of them unaware that such legal tactics do not exist.

Understanding ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud

“Digital arrest” fraud is particularly concerning. Scammers deceive victims into thinking they are under virtual detention. They communicate through video or audio calls, manipulating victims into transferring money. Victims are often instructed not to inform anyone about their predicament, which creates urgency and a sense of surveillance.

Authorities regularly issue advisories clarifying that there is no legitimate “digital arrest” or “virtual arrest.” However, the rising number of incidents indicates that these warnings have not reached many people.

Target Demographics: The Vulnerable and Unaware

Traditionally, senior citizens have been the primary targets of such scams due to their limited technological awareness. However, this case illustrates that younger adults, such as the woman involved, are increasingly falling prey to these frauds.

Victims come from various backgrounds, highlighting the widespread need for awareness about such scams.

The Growing Need for Cybersecurity Education

The surge in digital scams stresses the urgent need for enhanced education on cybersecurity. In an era where technology can be exploited for financial gain, understanding these threats becomes essential for everyone.

Authorities continue to urge the public to be vigilant about suspicious calls or activities. It is crucial to report any such incidents immediately. Awareness campaigns are vital to educate individuals about the signs of scams and how to protect themselves.