A call that sounded like an official interrogation turned into a costly fraud for a Mumbai resident. A 75 year old retired civic official from Andheri East has reported losing ₹16.5 lakh after cyber fraudsters allegedly posed as ATS and NIA personnel and kept him under “digital arrest”, police said.
The victim approached the West Region Cyber Police Station on Monday, and police shared details on Wednesday. The callers allegedly told him his name had surfaced in a Delhi bomb blast case and claimed he needed to be questioned secretly. Police said an explosive laden vehicle detonated outside the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 last year, killing over 12 persons.
According to the police, the victim received the first call on December 11. The caller claimed to be from the Delhi anti terrorism department and warned him not to share the matter with anyone. He was asked to download the Signal app, after which he received a video call. During that call, one fraudster allegedly introduced himself as NIA officer Sadanand Date.
Police said the caller claimed a bank account linked to the victim’s mobile number had received ₹7 crore through money laundering. He was allegedly threatened with arrest and told the agency had to verify whether his investments and deposits came from legal sources. The victim was then asked to transfer money to specific bank accounts for “verification”.
Police said the victim transferred ₹16.5 lakh and was later blocked by the caller. A case has been registered against unidentified persons.
Police described digital arrest as a growing cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement, court officials, or government staff and use audio and video calls to intimidate victims and pressure them into paying money.
In December last year, the Supreme Court asked the CBI to conduct a unified pan India probe into digital arrest cases. The Ministry of Home Affairs informed the court on January 15 that it had formed a high level committee to examine the issue.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
