Mangaluru: Homemaker duped of Rs 3.16 crore in 'digital arrest' scam – Case filed with CEN station


Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, July 6: In a shocking incident that underscores the growing menace of cybercrime, a homemaker from Mangaluru has fallen prey to a sophisticated online fraud scheme dubbed the "digital arrest scam", resulting in a loss of a staggering Rs 3.16 crore.

As per the complaint filed with the Mangaluru Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) Crime Police, the victim was targeted on June 5 when she received a call at approximately 10:25 am from an unknown individual claiming to be Inspector Anu Sharma from the National Cyber Reporting Portal (NCRP).


Representational image

The caller falsely informed her that a new SIM card (number: 9867485463) had been activated in her husband's name and was allegedly being misused to make fraudulent calls and share suspicious links.

The call was later transferred to another impersonator, this time posing as sub-inspector Mohan Kumar from Sahar Police station, Mumbai. During this conversation, the fraudster managed to collect sensitive personal details from the unsuspecting woman.

The conversation escalated further when another person, claiming to be Public Prosecutor Deepak Venkata Ramana, joined the call. Under the pretext of a formal verification process, he demanded the bank account details of both the complainant and her husband.

Claiming the need to ‘verify’ the accounts, the victim was directed to transfer money to several bank accounts provided by the scammers. She was assured that the entire amount would be refunded after verification and was sternly warned against disclosing the matter to anyone.

Between June 10 and 27, the woman carried out multiple RTGS transactions, systematically transferring a total of Rs 3,16,52,142 from both her and her husband’s bank accounts to accounts shared by the fraudsters.

After the transactions were completed, the fraudsters abruptly ceased all communication and blocked the victim's number. It was only when she revealed the ordeal to her children that the gravity of the situation became clear.

Realising she had been duped, the woman immediately approached the authorities. Based on her complaint, the CEN Police Station in Mangaluru has registered a case and initiated an investigation.

City police have once again urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communications, especially those involving money transfers or threats from individuals posing as government or law enforcement officials.

 

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.

  

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Comment on this article

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    in about 2 weeks they have transferred 3.16 crores to fraudsters ,,,, that means about 23 lakhs per day ... there are transaction limits and daily limits for an account ... normally banks get suspicious when such large amounts are transferred ... why they did not inform any one and meekly transferred the money ... why they kept 3 crores in bank accounts .. why not land or stocks or business ?

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Imtiaz, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    Homemaker having so much huge amount only to gift it to scammers and then we have us who are not able to make even lakhs inspite of working hard doing jobs like machine....... this life is so unfair!!!!!

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anil, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    Very sad. I have one question. When elders receive those calls, why don't they ask for help from their family members to ensure the call is genuine? Why do they think they know everything?

    DisAgree Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shankar, Mangaluru

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    Ask the elders not to receive any calls from unknown numbers.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • A, bangalore

    Tue, Jul 08 2025

    this homemaker must be involved in some illigal activities otherwise why the homemaker should pay such a huge amount

    DisAgree Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, Surathkal

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    How the scammers target only people with large bank balance ? I think some bank employees are involved in this scam and they pass on the information of rich account holders.

    DisAgree Agree [45] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lawrence, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    How come they target only the rich people? Who gives them the advance information about how much money the victim has?

    DisAgree Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • DSR, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    Most stupid couple if this is true! 3.16 crores is not a small amount to transfer without proper verification or informing their own childen! Daal me kuch kala hai!

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shoun, Mangalore

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    If some one would have asked 10000.00 to lend and will repay back .They would have not not given it also .

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Raheja Waterfront

    Mon, Jul 07 2025

    People are storing money like Potatoes ...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Maxim, Bondel

    Sun, Jul 06 2025

    There have been many instances of cyber crime with digital arrests being reported and police / banks have been warning people to ignore such calls / claims. Somebody having crores of rupees in their accounts cannot be expected to be ignorant of such online frauds or illiterate. Besides how come people keep so much money in SB accounts that are susceptible to such scams? FDs cannot be transferred so easily. People with basic awareness won’t fall prey to such digital arrests. Unless one has something to hide there’s no need to fear when someone calls you regarding your accounts / sim / personal details. 10 years ago a couple of lakhs was fraudulently withdrawn from my account in 3 different countries. It’s called skimming where multiple cards are copied in ATM using some hidden devices. The withdrawals were made from various ATMs and done either side of the midnight and when I was on international transit. The bank had to refund all the money because card Secutity is the responsibility of the bank.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • cliffs, mangalore

    Tue, Jul 08 2025

    If Money is there in the bank a/c it is either already to known to the relevant authorities through some compliance from the bank or eventually authorities will know come during course of time. Hence , people need to get panicky about it . This calls are generally random calls generate by the some systems or phone numbers might have got leaked at some point of some transactions or event . Therefore one has to be very careful while sharing personal information's/ data on social media . I am sure 99% account balance related information the fraudster only come know during their talk with the victims . Therefore, one has to take few basic precautions before during attending calls. You should not pick call in hurry without even checking who's call it is or while mind preoccupied with some other work. Always, pause for few seconds and then answer the call .

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


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