Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 15: With cases of “digital arrest” scams rising alarmingly across the city, the Mumbai Police Cybercrime Wing has launched an extensive awareness campaign targeting senior citizens living alone in Zone 1, particularly the Colaba region.

Data shared by officials reveals that between January and October, Mumbai recorded 142 digital arrest fraud cases, leading to financial losses amounting to ?114 crore. Concerned by the trend, the Crime Branch’s cyber cell identified 627 elderly residents living alone and conducted door-to-door visits to brief them on how these frauds operate and how to stay protected.

A team comprising 25 officers and 27 personnel from five regional cyber police stations participated in the outreach. They distributed awareness pamphlets in Marathi and English while explaining how fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the police, CBI, ED or RBI to intimidate victims and force them into transferring money.

Officers said the senior citizens welcomed the initiative and assured that they would remain cautious when receiving such threatening calls. They were also informed that “digital arrest” has no legal basis and no government authority detains individuals through video calls or demands money to prevent fictitious legal action.

The campaign was conducted under the supervision of Commissioner of Police Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, Additional CP (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime – Additional Charge) Bajrang Bansode, and ACP (Cyber Department) Irfan Sheikh.

The Mumbai Police have urged those receiving suspicious calls to immediately contact their nearest police station or dial 1930/100. Complaints can also be registered at cybercrime.gov.in.