Senior Citizens Suffer Millions in Digital Deception Swindle: Understanding How Swindlers Capitalized on Anxiety and Seclusion
In a chilling incident, a retired woman in her sixties from Mangaluru, India, has lost her entire life savings of Rs. 3.9 crore in a digital arrest scam. This case, one of the largest cybercrimes in the country, has become increasingly common according to the local police department.
The scam operated by impersonating authorities, with fraudsters posing as police officers, Narcotics Control Bureau officials, or regulatory bodies like TRAI. They falsely accused the victim of serious crimes linked to her identity, compelling her to transfer large sums of money under the threat of arrest. The scammers maintained the illusion of "digital custody" through video calls and leveraged fear, confusion, and coercion to extract funds, sometimes lasting several days.
Key characteristics of these scams include the impersonation of authorities, digital arrests and video calls, pressure tactics, and long duration hostage-like control. Victims are often elderly individuals with limited digital literacy who are unfamiliar with the modus operandi of cybercriminals.
The scam was first reported to the police department on an unspecified date and was later handed over to the Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics Unit (CEN). The fraud occurred on January 15, 2025, when the woman received a call from an unknown number, which she was told was her digital arrest for possible smuggling of drugs. Over the next seven months, she was tricked into transferring money multiple times, with a total of Rs. 3.9 crore transferred.
To protect themselves, individuals are advised to verify the identity of officials, not share personal or banking details, avoid transferring money under pressure, seek help from trusted family or friends, report suspicious calls, increase awareness, and improve digital literacy among the elderly.
Regrettably, the scammers vanished without further communication on July 4, 2025, leaving the victim in a state of shock and financial ruin. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, verification, and cautious behavior online and on calls to avoid falling victim to such scams.
