Fraudsters Trick Mangaluru Woman Into Losing Rs 61 Lakh, How to Avoid This Scam

Digital Arrest Scam: How Fraudsters Stole Rs 61 Lakh From a Terrified Mangaluru Homemaker 

In a tragic incident highlighting the growing moral challenges of cybercrime, a 52-year-old woman from Mangaluru was scammed out of Rs 61 lakh in an online arrest scam. Fraudsters posing as police officers convinced her that her identity had been linked to a money laundering crime. 

This story is not only tragic but also disturbing and shocking, especially considering that reports of cybercrime have increased by 27% in 2025, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. It serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable even the most tech-savvy individuals can be. But how do these scams occur, and what can you do to protect yourself and your money?

How the Scam Occurred: Step-by-Step Trap

The homemaker victim had been called by someone posing as a CBI officer. The caller informed her that her Aadhaar card was linked to a Delhi-based money laundering case and asked her to send money to a safe government account for verification. She was called at home several times in the days that followed, instructing her to act fast or else she would be digitally arrested—a term used in such instances when victims feel that they are being monitored or mentally stalked. On June 20, another fraudster, introducing himself as an Investigation Officer, Mohit Kumar, contacted her via WhatsApp video call. He allegedly collected her details, including PAN card and bank account information, for verification. 

To avoid arrest, she then remitted money, in the form of a total of Rs 61,15 050 lakh in small amounts, to 11 accounts in multiple installments via RTGS between June 21 and July 9. Out of fear, the woman did not inform anyone and proceeded to transfer the total money when asked to do it. When it became apparent that the transaction was fraudulent, the money could not be traced back since it had been sent to untraceable accounts.

Why Digital Arrest Scams Are on the Rise  

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), less than a month into 2025, reports that digital arrest scams are already up 40% based on criminals taking advantage of fear and urgency. Digital arrest scams typically follow a similar pattern of: 

1. Spoofed phone calls: Scammers use voice over IP (VoIP) numbers to impersonate official international phone numbers. 

2. Fake legal threats: The victim is told their documents are associated with criminal activities.  

3. Psychological manipulation:  The perpetrator uses various threats, such as threatening to report actions that lead the victim to panic.  

4. Remote control: Some even threaten the victims and lock them into video calls to be sure they see them follow instructions (e.g., staying on the call).  

The most recent RBI (Reserve Bank of India) advisory highlighted that these scams typically involve individuals with an established online banking presence.

Here are important tips to protect yourself: 4 Important Safety Tips.

1. Check for caller ID: Don't ever request money over the phone from Government officials. Check through website searches or in-office visits.

2. Use two-factor authentication: It provides added security for online transactions.

3. Never give OTPs/bank details:  No officer will ever request your bank details.

4. Report suspicious activity: Reporting sooner rather than later at the Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) is first and foremost a viable way to freeze your transactions. 

Stay One Step Ahead: Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones From Growing Cyber Threats  

In light of the increasing organization of cybercriminals, staying vigilant is the best defense. Authorities have warned that if you receive any unsolicited request, no matter how legitimate it appears, you should stop, check, and think before responding. 

Please share this important information with others! Be particularly cautious when interacting with seniors and teens, as they are often the most vulnerable groups. Remember that legitimate authorities will never ask for money or secrecy. If a request seems urgent, treat it as a potential scam. 

Always remember to Stay Alert, Stay Skeptical, and inform others; you could help them protect their life savings!