Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 10: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a retired woman from Mangaluru, Leni Prabhu, lost over Rs 3.09 crore to online scammers who used a sophisticated "digital arrest" tactic — falsely accusing her of sending a narcotics-laced parcel to China and extorting her under threat of imprisonment.
The victim filed a complaint at the CEN (Cyber, Economic and Narcotics) crime station, revealing that the incident began on January 15, 2025, when she received a missed call from an unknown number.
Upon returning the call, a woman claiming to be from the General Post Office informed her that a parcel allegedly sent by her to China had been returned and was found to contain 150 grams of MDMA, a banned psychotropic substance.
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Scammer posed as postal official, threatened 75-yr jail sentence
Although Leni Prabhu firmly denied sending any such parcel, the caller insisted that it was booked under her name using her identity card. The woman warned that such an offence carried a prison term of more than 75 years, causing panic and confusion for the elderly retiree.
The fraudster then offered "help", claiming she could prevent legal consequences if Leni obtained a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC). To secure this, however, Leni was told to transfer 93% of her pension amount to specific bank accounts for verification and clearance.
Initial transfer of Rs 55 lac followed by multiple instalments
Gripped by fear and pressured into silence, Leni made an initial RTGS transfer of Rs 55 lac on January 17. Over the next several months, between January 17 and July 4, she continued transferring money in phases to multiple bank accounts as instructed by the fraudsters — amounting to a total loss of Rs 3,09,75,000.
The accused warned her not to disclose the matter to anyone, increasing her psychological vulnerability. It was only after the scamsters stopped responding that she realised she had been defrauded.
Police confirm use of 'digital arrest' tactic
According to police, the fraudsters used the trending "digital arrest" method — a cybercrime tactic where victims are deceived into believing they are under investigation or arrest by authorities, often involving fake officials, doctored documents, and threats of imprisonment.
"Unidentified persons extorted the victim using fear and impersonation. A formal case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing to trace those behind this elaborate fraud," a police official said.
Authorities have urged the public — particularly the elderly — to exercise caution when dealing with unknown callers, especially those claiming to be officials, and to verify all claims through trusted sources before making any financial transactions.
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.