A retired woman in Karnataka lost her life savings of ₹3.9 crore over seven months after falling prey to a “digital arrest” scam, police revealed on Sunday. The Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Police in Mangaluru have registered a case and are investigating.
How Did the Scam Begin?
After the passing of her husband last year, the victim, a woman in her sixties who had previously resided overseas with him before returning to Mangaluru, was living alone. On January 15, she answered a missed call from an unidentified number. The caller claimed to be a General Post Office official and informed her that 150 grams of MDMA were found in a package intended for China.
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She was warned that the offence carried a possible 75-year jail term, sparking panic. When she denied sending any parcel, the caller alleged that her identity had been misused.
Psychological Manipulation
Police said the fraudsters used constant contact and intimidation to control the victim. They convinced her that paying 93% of her pension would secure a “no-objection certificate” to clear her name. The woman was forbidden from discussing the matter with anyone, including her family.
On January 17, she transferred ₹55 lakh to bank accounts provided by the scammers. Payments continued until July 4, reaching a total of ₹3.9 crore. The fraud came to light only after the callers stopped responding, prompting her to approach police.
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Police Warning on ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
Investigators stressed that had the victim informed her family, the scam could have been prevented. They warned citizens to beware of “digital arrest” frauds—where criminals impersonate government or law enforcement officials to extort money through fear.
Authorities advise the public to:
- Verify any legal threats through official channels.
- Never transfer money based on threats or coercion.
- Seek immediate help from police if approached by suspicious callers.