IIT Bombay student duped of ₹7.29 lakh in a 'digital arrest' scam. Learn how scammers posed as TRAI officials to execute the fraud.
A 25-year-old student from IIT Bombay fell victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud, losing Rs 7.29 lakh to scammers who posed as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The incident, reported by the Powai police in Mumbai, sheds light on the emerging 'digital arrest' scam—a deceptive scheme where fraudsters impersonate government officials or law enforcement personnel to extort money through fear and intimidation.
The scam began in July when the student received a call from an unknown number. The caller identified themselves as a TRAI employee and alleged that 17 complaints of illegal activities were registered against the student라이브 바카라 mobile number. The fraudster warned that his number would be deactivated unless he obtained a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the police.
Feigning legitimacy, the caller transferred the student to a supposed Cyber Crime Branch officer. On a WhatsApp video call, a man dressed as a police officer appeared, further escalating the intimidation. This individual accused the student of being involved in money laundering and demanded the victim's Aadhaar number. Fearing legal repercussions, the student complied and transferred Rs 29,500 via a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction as instructed.
The next day, the scammers contacted the student again, intensifying their demands. They claimed that he was now placed under "digital arrest," a fictitious status that prohibited him from contacting anyone. This added layer of intimidation left the victim isolated and vulnerable.
Exploiting his fear, the fraudsters pressured the student into sharing his bank account details. Using this information, they siphoned off Rs 7 lakh from his account. After securing the funds, the scammers assured the student that he was “safe” and would not face arrest.
It was only after researching the concept of "digital arrest" online that the student realized he had been duped. He promptly approached the Powai police and lodged a formal complaint against the unidentified fraudsters. The police have since launched an investigation to trace the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.
The 'digital arrest' scam highlights a dangerous trend in cybercrime, where fraudsters exploit victims' fear and trust in authority figures. By using fake credentials, video calls, and threats of severe consequences, they manipulate individuals into compliance.
Authorities urge the public to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies. Verifying the authenticity of such claims and refraining from sharing sensitive personal or financial information is crucial. In case of doubt, individuals should report such incidents to the police immediately.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the sophistication of modern cyber scams and the importance of awareness in preventing such crimes. Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against falling victim to these deceptive schemes.
(This story has been slightly reworked from an auto-generated PTI feed.)