Mumbai woman loses Rs 20 crore in one of India's longest 'digital arrest' scams

In a startling cyber fraud case, an 86-year-old Mumbai woman lost Rs 20.25 crore in one of India's longest-running 'digital arrest' scams. Between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025, scammers posing as police officials manipulated her through fear of legal trouble, coercing her into transferring the money.
According to a report by Indian Express, the victim received a call from individuals claiming to be police officers. They alleged that her Aadhaar card had been misused to open a bank account involved in illegal activities, including money laundering. The scammers threatened her with legal action, stating that her name and her family members, including her daughter, would be implicated unless she complied.
To avoid the fabricated charges, the victim was coerced into transferring money to multiple bank accounts. Throughout the scam, the fraudsters instructed her to remain under 'digital arrest,' forbidding her from sharing the situation with anyone.
According to Mumbai Police, the fraudsters employed the "digital arrest" technique, a method where victims are led to believe they are under official investigation and are being monitored remotely. They used sophisticated social engineering tactics, including fake video calls with individuals impersonating police officers and government officials, to create a sense of authenticity and urgency.
"This case highlights the alarming trend of cybercriminals targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens," said a senior police official. "The sheer scale of the fraud and the duration of the scam underscore the need for increased public awareness and vigilance."
The investigation is ongoing, and the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell is working to trace the flow of funds and identify the perpetrators. Authorities are also urging the public to be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages from individuals claiming to be law enforcement or government officials, and to verify any such claims through official channels.