According to the police, the victim received a call on March 4 from a person claiming to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). He was later kept under 'digital arrest' for 10 days
The fraudsters created fear by sending fake documents, including court orders and arrest warrants, through messaging apps. Representational Pic/File/iStock
A 71-year-old retired official in Mumbai was allegedly cheated of Rs 1.05 crore after being kept under 'digital arrest' for 10 days, officials said, adding that a probe has been launched in the matter, reported the IANS.
The victim, a Dadar resident, was reportedly targeted by fraudsters posing as government officials.
According to the Mumbai Police, the victim received a call on March 4 from a person claiming to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The caller alleged that a mobile number had been issued using the victim’s Aadhaar details and was being used for illegal activities, as per the IANS.
The call was later transferred to individuals pretending to be officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who threatened him with arrest in a fake money laundering case.
‘Digital Arrest’ and psychological pressure
The fraudsters created fear by sending fake documents, including court orders and arrest warrants, through messaging apps.
They told the victim that he was under investigation and must not contact anyone. He was asked to stay connected online and send regular updates such as “I am safe” every two hours, the news agency reported.
This tactic effectively kept him isolated and under constant psychological pressure.
Money transferred in instalments
According to the IANS, during this period, the accused gathered details about his bank accounts and savings.
Under the pretext of verifying funds, they forced him to transfer money to different accounts.
Between March 6 and March 12, the victim transferred Rs 1.05 crore in four transactions.
Family noticed the scam
The scam came to light on March 15 when the victim’s son checked his mobile phone and noticed suspicious activity. After confirming about the matter, the family decided to reach out to the police and file a complaint, police said.
A complaint was immediately lodged via the cyber helpline, officials said.
probe underway
Police have registered a case against unknown persons, including the holders of the bank accounts used in the fraud.
Authorities are now investigating the case and trying to trace the accused involved in the operation, the news agency reported.
(with IANS inputs)
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