Noida Family Duped of Over ₹1 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam 

Noida Family Duped of Over ₹1 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

In a shocking case of cybercrime, a family in Noida was scammed out of ₹1.10 crore after being subjected to a five-day-long ‘digital arrest’ by fraudsters posing as government officials. The incident, which unfolded earlier this month, involved an elaborate scheme where criminals manipulated victims through video calls, fear tactics, and false legal threats.

The police have launched an investigation into the growing cyber fraud trend, where scammers impersonate CBI, customs, or cybercrime officers to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.

How the Fraud Unfolded

According to the complaint lodged by Chandrabhan Paliwal, the ordeal began on February 1 when he received a call from an unknown number. The caller falsely claimed to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and warned that his SIM card would be blocked due to legal issues.

Shortly afterward, Paliwal was redirected to another caller who claimed to be from the Cyber Crime Branch in Mumbai. Within minutes, he received a video call from a person posing as an IPS officer from Kolava Police Station, Mumbai. This individual falsely accused him of financial crimes and extortion, claiming that 24 cases had been registered against him in different locations.

The threats escalated as the scammer invoked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and alleged that Paliwal was under investigation for money laundering.

Entire Family Held Under ‘Digital Arrest’

Not stopping at targeting Paliwal alone, the fraudsters extended their threats to his wife and daughter. They were made to believe that immediate arrest was imminent unless they complied with demands for money transfers.

Over the next five days, the family remained digitally trapped, unable to reach out for help, and under the constant fear of legal repercussions. Succumbing to the pressure, they transferred ₹1.10 crore to the fraudsters.

Police Investigation and Rising Cybercrime Cases

Once the family realized they had been scammed, they approached the police and lodged a complaint. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Preeti Yadav confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and authorities are investigating the modus operandi of the criminals.

Police have warned that this ‘digital arrest’ scam is a growing menace in cybercrime, with criminals exploiting technology, video conferencing, and social engineering tactics to instill fear in victims. The case highlights the urgent need for awareness and vigilance among citizens to prevent such financial fraud.

What is ‘Digital Arrest’ and How to Stay Safe?

The ‘Digital Arrest’ scam is an emerging cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate government agencies and use video calls, fake legal notices, and threats of immediate arrest to coerce victims into transferring money.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify Caller Identity: Government agencies do not demand payments over calls or video calls. Always verify through official websites.
• Do Not Panic: Scammers use fear tactics to force quick decisions. Stay calm and analyze the situation.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Do not share Aadhaar numbers, bank details, or OTPs with unknown callers.
• Cross-check with Authorities: If you receive such a call, contact local police, the concerned agency, or the cybercrime helpline (1930) for verification.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a fraud attempt, report it immediately to law enforcement.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Cyber Security Awareness

This incident in Noida serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. As technology advances, fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting fear and misinformation to extract large sums of money.

With law enforcement ramping up investigations, authorities urge the public to remain cautious, verify unknown calls, and report suspicious activity to help curb such fraudulent schemes.

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