Vile Parle Woman Loses ₹1 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

 Introduction

A 58-year-old woman from Vile Parle has fallen victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme, losing ₹1 lakh after being duped by scammers posing as police officials. The fraudsters claimed that her Aadhaar-linked mobile number was involved in multiple criminal cases, subjecting her to a fabricated “digital arrest” for nearly 24 hours.

#### The Fraudulent Scheme

The victim, a homemaker living with her husband and son, received an alarming phone call from an unknown individual. The caller asserted that her mobile number was linked to her Aadhaar card and implicated in 17 harassment cases, some of which allegedly involved abetment of suicide. The caller threatened her with dire consequences, stating that the most recent case involved a girl who had taken her own life due to harassment from her number.

#### The Manipulative Tactics

After the initial call, the victim received a second call from someone claiming to be a senior inspector from the Delhi Crime Branch. The impersonator informed her that multiple cases had been registered against her. Shortly thereafter, she received a video call from another person, who urged her to remain calm and follow specific protocols, forbidding her from contacting anyone or using social media for 24 hours.

The scammers instructed her to stay on the video call continuously and to send a WhatsApp message every hour to confirm her safety. The victim complied with their demands, feeling increasingly trapped in the scenario they had constructed.

#### Escalation and Financial Loss

The following morning, the caller threatened that if she did not comply, her entire family would be arrested. The fraudster then claimed that he could assist her in avoiding legal trouble but required payment to cover “deposits pending investigation.” He assured her that this amount would be refunded after the investigation concluded.

Under pressure and fearful for her family's safety, the woman transferred ₹1 lakh in three separate installments to the fraudsters.

#### Conclusion

This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud, particularly schemes that exploit victims’ fears and anxieties. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and skeptical of unexpected calls claiming legal issues or emergencies. Residents are encouraged to verify information directly with law enforcement before taking any actions, especially when money is involved.