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A 39-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru lost Rs 11.8 crore in a “digital arrest” scam, after fraudsters impersonating police officers falsely accused him of being involved in money laundering. The scam unfolded between November 25 and December 12, according to the police.
The victim first received a call on November 11 from someone claiming to be an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller alleged that his SIM card, linked to his Aadhaar card, had been used for illegal advertisements and harassment messages. The fraudster also mentioned a case filed at Mumbai’s Colaba Cyber Police Station.
Soon after, the victim received another call from someone pretending to be a police officer, who claimed his Aadhaar details were being misused to open bank accounts for money laundering. The caller threatened arrest if the victim didn’t cooperate with a supposed virtual investigation and was warned to keep the matter confidential.
The fraudsters continued their deception by asking the victim to download Skype. The man, claiming to be in police uniform, then video-called him, falsely stating that a businessman had opened a bank account using the victim’s Aadhaar for transactions worth Rs 6 crore. On November 25, another man, also in police uniform, called over Skype and allegedly told the victim that the case was being heard in the top court. He threatened to arrest the victim’s family if he failed to comply.
The scammers further cited fake Reserve Bank of India guidelines, instructing the victim to transfer funds for “verification purposes,” threatening severe legal consequences if he refused.
Fearing arrest, the victim transferred a total of Rs 11.8 crore in multiple transactions. When the fraudsters began demanding more money, the victim realised he had been deceived and reported the incident to the police.
A case has been filed under the IT Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and impersonation. The police have initiated further investigations.
