Retired Kerala Couple Loses ₹2.4 Crore in 11-Day ‘Virtual Arrest’ Scam

Kasaragod, Kerala:
In a stunning instance of cybercrime, a retired couple from Kanhangad lost their life savings of ₹2.4 crore when they were virtually arrested for 11 days by cyber crooks who claimed to be government officials.

The victims — a retired school teacher of 69 years and his wife of 72 years, a retired government homoeopathy doctor — were residing alone in a rented home when the scam originated.

How the Scam Began

On 10th August, the couple got a call from an international number. When the husband picked up, the caller in Hindi identified himself as a representative of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). He made a false statement that the wife was being investigated for money laundering by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and that soon they would be contacted by a senior officer.

Minutes later, a WhatsApp video call rang in. On screen materialized a man in a police uniform, exuding authority. A translator later joined, translating Hindi into Malayalam to make the conversation more believable.

The fraudsters claimed that during a raid on the home of former Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal, the wife’s ID card and bank records had been seized. They even showed an ATM card and a fake Aadhaar card with her name as “evidence.”

Trapped in a ‘Digital Prison’

When the couple denied any connection to the alleged transactions, the criminals declared them under “virtual arrest.” They were ordered to remain constantly visible on the video call, seeking permission even for basic movements — including visits to the toilet or a doctor’s appointment.

Living in terror of legal repercussions, the elderly couple acquiesced for 11 tortuous days, after which the scammers extorted them into making withdrawals of ₹2.4 crore from their bank accounts.

What Is a ‘Virtual Arrest’?

A virtual arrest is an increasing cybercrime strategy in which criminals pose as police, CBI, ED, or TRAI authorities, blackmailing victims with frivolous criminal complaints. By means of round-the-clock video surveillance and psychological coercion, they take full control of the victims’ activities and finances.

Authorities Warn the Public

Police have advised citizens to ignore unsolicited calls made in the name of officials or authorities and to verify such allegations immediately at nearby police stations or government offices.

This case is a dire reminder that even qualified and retired professionals are not immune to very advanced cyber scams.