Yadgir, Feb 18 (IANS): A retired state government employee fell victim to cybercriminals and was robbed of Rs 10 lac after being digitally arrested for 12 days in Karnataka's Yadgir district, police said on Tuesday.
According to police, the victim officer retired from the Krishna Jal Bhagya Nigam Limited (KJBNL) at the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) camp in Shahapur taluk. She has complained to the Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Yadgir.
According to police, the victim got a video call from the cybercriminals who posed as the Mumbai Crime Branch Officers. The victim was told that a money laundering case was registered against her in connection with the crime she committed along with criminal Naresh Goyal.
The victim was asked to immediately share her bank accounts, bank passbooks, Aadhaar card, and PAN card details for verification failing which she would face legal action. Felling into their trap, the victim sent her all records and documents.
After getting all the details, the accused claimed that the main accused in the case, Naresh Goyal, had been arrested.
The cyber crooks directed her to transfer an amount of Rs 10 lac to different accounts, which she did fearing arrest.
This is the first digital arrest case reported from the Yadgir district.
The cybercriminals made the video call on January 26 and till February 7 kept the victim under digital arrest, making frequent calls with a new threat.
On Monday, a software professional lost Rs 11 crore after falling victim to a digital arrest scam in Bengaluru, the police said.
Digital arrest is an online fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement or government officials. The scammers contact the victim over the phone or online and extort money.
How to stay safe
Vigilance is the key to avoiding such scams. If you receive such calls, never fall for the trap. Remember, police officials never initiate cases online or ask for money.
Most importantly, the term “digital arrest” is fabricated by scammers and does not exist in Indian law. If someone threatens you with it, it is undoubtedly a scam.
Additionally, never share bank details, OTPs, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages, regardless of the caller’s claims. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities and your bank immediately. Quick action can help prevent further losses.