Digital Arrest Scam Exposed: How Fake Cyber Cops Duped a Retiree of ₹35 Lakh in Gujarat

Gujarat shocker: 67-year-old man put under ‘digital arrest’ for 6 days; duped of Rs 35L

Imagine being told you’re under arrest—but without handcuffs, a police station, or even a real officer in sight. Instead, your jail cell is your own home, your captors are voices on a phone, and your freedom hinges on transferring lakhs of rupees to strangers. This isn’t fiction. It’s exactly what happened to a 67-year-old retired man in Gujarat, who was subjected to a harrowing six-day digital arrest scam that drained his life savings of ₹35.25 lakh . As these sophisticated scams surge across India, it’s critical to understand how they work—and how to stop them before they strike again.

Table of Contents

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A digital arrest scam is a psychological manipulation tactic where fraudsters impersonate government authorities—such as cybercrime police, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), Income Tax officials, or even Interpol—to instill fear and compliance in victims. They claim the victim is involved in illegal activities like money laundering, SIM card misuse, or terror funding.

The “arrest” isn’t physical. Instead, victims are instructed to stay indoors, avoid contact with family, and constantly remain on video call while “investigators” monitor their every move. Under this intense pressure, they’re coerced into sharing banking details, OTPs, and even initiating fund transfers—all under the guise of “verifying accounts” or “clearing their name.”

The Gujarat Case: How the Scam Unfolded

The victim, a retired resident of Ahmedabad, received a call from someone claiming to be from TRAI . The caller alleged that a mobile number registered in his name was being used for illegal activities. Soon after, the call was “transferred” to individuals posing as senior officers from Maharashtra Cyber Crime and high-ranking police officials.

Over the next six days, the fraudsters maintained near-constant contact via WhatsApp video calls. They showed fake IDs, official-looking documents, and even staged a mock “court hearing” to heighten the illusion of legitimacy. Convinced he was under genuine investigation, the man followed their instructions meticulously:

  1. He downloaded remote-access apps like AnyDesk.
  2. He shared his bank login credentials and OTPs.
  3. He transferred ₹35.25 lakh across multiple transactions to accounts controlled by the scammers.

Only after his family intervened did he realize he’d been trapped in an elaborate digital arrest scam. By then, the money was gone—and the perpetrators had vanished .

Red Flags to Spot a Digital Arrest Attempt

These scams rely on urgency and fear. Watch out for these warning signs:

  • Unsolicited calls from “government agencies” accusing you of crimes you didn’t commit.
  • Demand to stay on video call for hours or days. Real police don’t monitor suspects via WhatsApp.
  • Requests for remote desktop access (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer).
  • Pressure to keep the matter secret from family or local police.
  • Instructions to transfer money to “secure” or “verification” accounts.

Remember: No legitimate government agency will ever ask for your OTP or bank password.

Why Senior Citizens Are Primary Targets

Older adults are disproportionately targeted in digital arrest scams for several reasons:

  • Less tech-savvy: Many aren’t familiar with how remote-access apps or OTP systems work.
  • High trust in authority: They’re more likely to comply with someone claiming to be a police officer.
  • Isolation: Living alone makes it easier for scammers to enforce secrecy.
  • Significant savings: Retirees often have substantial bank balances or fixed deposits.

According to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, over 40% of financial fraud victims in 2025 were aged 60 or above .

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Prevention is your best defense. Here’s what you can do:

  • Educate elderly relatives: Explain that real police never operate via WhatsApp or demand money transfers.
  • Block unknown numbers: Use call-filtering apps to screen suspicious calls.
  • Never share OTPs or passwords: Not even with “bank security teams.”
  • Verify independently: If you get such a call, hang up and dial 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) or visit your local police station.

For more safety tips, check out our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:how-to-avoid-cyber-fraud-in-india].

Official Response and Cybercrime Reporting

Following the incident, Gujarat Police have launched an investigation and urged citizens to report similar calls immediately. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also intensified public awareness campaigns about impersonation scams.

If you or someone you know is targeted, act fast:

  1. Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930.
  2. File a report at cybercrime.gov.in, India’s official portal for cybercrime complaints.
  3. Contact your bank to freeze accounts if credentials were compromised.

The portal, managed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is a trusted, high-authority resource for reporting and tracking fraud .

Conclusion

The Gujarat digital arrest scam is a stark reminder that cybercriminals are growing bolder and more manipulative. They don’t need to break into your home—they just need you to believe their lies. By staying informed, skeptical of unsolicited authority claims, and proactive in reporting suspicious activity, you can shield yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next victim. In the digital age, your greatest weapon isn’t a firewall—it’s awareness.

Sources

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