A physician from Gujrat suffered a massive financial loss of 19 crores due to a digital arrest fraud: An insight into the events
In a chilling incident, a doctor based in Gujarat's Gandhinagar has lost a staggering Rs 19 crore over a span of three months to a sophisticated digital arrest scam. The fraudsters posed as officials, including a sub-inspector and a public prosecutor, to create fear and force the doctor into submission.
The scam began on March 15, when the doctor received a phone call claiming objectionable content had been detected on her mobile phone. Under constant intimidation, the doctor was compelled to share her movements over video calls, reporting her location whenever she stepped outside. The fraudsters even went as far as using the doctor's credentials to take a loan against her gold jewellery and transfer those funds.
This investigation is ongoing, and updates may follow. The cybercrime unit of Gujarat CID began probing the case on July 16. The search for the masterminds of the scam is ongoing. One suspect has been arrested in Surat, with Rs 1 crore of the stolen funds traced to his bank account. Officials are relying on digital evidence to map out the full extent of the scam, as a large chunk of the stolen money remains unrecovered, having been dispersed across multiple accounts.
The doctor, Himani Jha, is a tech news writer at our platform, with a passion for smartphones and consumer technology. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants. She has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years.
This may be one of the largest known cases of digital arrest fraud in India in terms of the money siphoned from a single victim. Law enforcement agencies across India are actively investigating these cases, seizing digital evidence, and arresting network members, but these frauds continue due to their sophistication and victim targeting. Authorities emphasize vigilance and caution against divulging personal or financial information to unsolicited calls claiming legal actions.
Elsewhere in the country, similar cases have been reported. In Hyderabad, the cybercrime department arrested five individuals linked to a Rs 4 crore fraud involving fake digital arrests. In Chandigarh, at least 8 digital arrest cases caused losses around Rs 2.4 crore, with victims often being elderly or retired government officials.
A major nationwide scam led to nine online scammers receiving life sentences for defrauding 108 people of about Rs 100 crore by creating fake digital arrests via impersonation of law enforcement and judiciary officials. The trial lasted five months with numerous witnesses from banks and police.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in the digital age. As we continue to advance technologically, so too do the methods of those who seek to exploit us. It is essential that we remain aware and cautious to protect ourselves and our hard-earned money.
- The digital arrest scam that targeted Himani Jha, a tech news writer passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, highlights the critical need for cybersecurity, especially when using advanced technologies like smartphones.
- The ongoing investigation of digital arrest frauds, such as the one in Gandhinagar that stole Rs 19 crore, underscores the need for advanced technology not only in our day-to-day lives but also in law enforcement agencies to combat such intricate cybercrimes.
