Delhi Police Apprehend Four Cyber Scammers for Rs 44.50 Lakh ‘Digital Arrest’ Gimmick

Delhi Police has apprehended four persons behind a cyber fraud that cheated a man of Rs 44.50 lakh on the pretext of a “digital arrest.” The accused were said to have introduced themselves as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials to threaten the victim and ask him for a hefty sum of money to spare him from taking legal action.

How the Scam Unfolded

The scam was exposed after the victim, Virender Kumar Indora, a Mayur Vihar Phase-1 resident, lodged a police complaint on January 29, 2025. In his complaint, Indora disclosed that he had been called by a person who introduced himself as a CBI officer. The caller falsely accused him of being a criminal and threatened him with legal action, including arrest.

The fraudsters, employing threats, forced Indora to remit an astronomical Rs 44.50 lakh to avoid a so-called “digital arrest.” They took advantage of his fear of being in trouble with the law, assuring him that he would avoid any further action being initiated against him if he paid the amount.

The Crime: ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

This is a form of cybercrime referred to as a “digital arrest,” in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials, frequently with fictitious identities and authoritative-sounding messages, to manipulate victims into either paying money or sharing personal details. This new trend of cybercrime has also raised serious questions regarding the susceptibility of people to such fraudulent activities.

Delhi Police Takes Action

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East), Abhishek Dhania, gave more details about the case, as he said, “While complaining, Indora told that a man calling himself a CBI officer phoned him and accused him of being part of crime. Threatening to arrest him, the scammers forced him to send Rs 44.50 lakh to escape arrest.”

After investigation, Delhi Police were able to track down and arrest the four perpetrators of the scam. The police have also appealed to the public to be careful when receiving unsolicited calls from people who introduce themselves as law enforcement officers or government officials. These scammers are notorious for taking advantage of people’s ignorance and fear to steal money or valuable information.

A Growing Concern: Cybercrime in India

Digital arrests are fast becoming a very frequent way of cybercrime in India, where scammers use many different ways to target victims. People have been advised by the authorities to remain cautious and report any suspicious calls or messages to avoid being victims of these scams.

Although this case has been brought to a close with the arrest of the culprits, it is a stark reminder of the increasing trend of cyber fraud and the necessity for increased awareness and cybersecurity protocols. The Delhi Police are still probing the case to bring all concerned parties to justice.

Preventive Measures and Safety Tips

To prevent falling prey to such fraud attempts, the public is cautioned to:

– Be wary of taking calls from unknown or unverified numbers.
– Never divulge personal, financial, or sensitive information to anyone on the phone, particularly if the caller is threatening or coercive.
– Always authenticate the identity of anyone purporting to be a government representative by calling the concerned agency or department directly.
– Inform local authorities or the Cyber Crime Cell immediately of suspicious calls or messages.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to stay informed and proactive about cybersecurity to protect oneself from online fraud and deceit.