Fraudsters Posed as Police Officials, Threatened Action and Harm to Family; Victim Made to Transfer Life Savings in Two Instalments
A woman from Dharampur in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district was allegedly kept under a month-long “digital arrest” by cyber fraudsters who posed as police and other government officials, ultimately cheating her of ₹15.50 lakh. The accused allegedly used threats of legal action and fear for the safety of her husband and son to prevent her from seeking help.
According to the complaint, the woman received the first call from the fraudsters on August 15. The caller allegedly introduced herself as a Delhi Police official and told the woman that a criminal case had been registered against her. She was subsequently connected to another person who claimed to be a police officer. During a video call, the woman reportedly saw a man wearing a police uniform, reinforcing her belief that she was dealing with genuine law-enforcement officials.
Victim Kept Under Constant Threat
The fraudsters allegedly created an atmosphere of fear by telling the woman that she was involved in a serious case and that her bank accounts and documents were under investigation. She was also reportedly instructed not to disclose the matter to her family members or bank officials.
The woman told police that she remained under severe mental pressure for more than a month. The accused allegedly claimed that the investigation was being conducted in connection with the Reserve Bank of India and told her that she was required to transfer money as part of the purported legal and verification process.
They allegedly assured her that the money would be returned to her account after the required documents were submitted before the court. Trusting the claims and fearing consequences for herself and her family, the woman transferred her savings to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
₹15.50 Lakh Transferred in Two Instalments
According to the complaint, the victim transferred a total of ₹15.50 lakh in two instalments. The money represented her savings, which she handed over after being convinced that the transfers were part of an official investigation.
The fraudsters allegedly continued to maintain contact with her and used threats and intimidation to ensure that she followed their instructions. The woman was also reportedly made to believe that any disclosure of the matter could put her family at risk.
After eventually suspecting that she had fallen victim to a cyber fraud, the woman disclosed the matter to her family. Her family supported her and approached the police.
FIR Registered at Mandi Cyber Police Station
Following the complaint, an FIR has been registered at the Cyber Police Station in Mandi. Police have initiated an investigation into the transactions and the identities of those involved in the alleged fraud.
The investigation is being conducted by the Station House Officer and Investigating Officer of Dharampur Police Station. Police are examining the bank accounts into which the money was transferred and other details associated with the calls and communications made to the victim.
The incident once again highlights the growing use of the so-called “digital arrest” scam, in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, judges, officials of investigative agencies or financial institutions and threaten victims with arrest or legal action. Victims are often kept on prolonged video or phone calls and instructed to transfer money under the guise of verification, investigation or bail-related procedures.
Police and financial authorities repeatedly warn that no genuine law-enforcement agency conducts an arrest or investigation by keeping a person confined to a video call or demanding money transfers into private bank accounts.
