61-Year-Old Dombivli Woman Loses ₹8 Lakh in “Digital Arrest” Scam — Fear, Deception, and a Mother’s Instinct

Dombivli, Mumbai Suburbs: In a chilling reminder of how cybercriminals prey on fear, a 61-year-old woman from Dombivli was tricked into transferring ₹8 lakh after being falsely told she was involved in a money laundering case. The scammers used intimidation, fake authority, and emotional pressure — turning her peaceful life into a three-day nightmare.

It All Began With a Call

It started like many scam stories do — with a phone call that seemed official. The woman received a call claiming to be from a courier service, saying a package in her name contained illegal documents. Moments later, the line was transferred to individuals claiming to be from the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India.

They sent her official-looking documents carrying government and RBI emblems, insisting that she was under investigation for financial fraud. They warned her that her bank accounts could be frozen, and worse — she could be arrested.

Fear Took Over

For the next three days — from September 26 to September 28 — the fraudsters mentally cornered her, keeping her constantly on call. They grilled her with invasive questions:

• “How much money do you have in savings?”

• “How many bank accounts do you hold?”

• “Do your children support you financially?”

Scared and confused, she complied with every instruction.

Drained of Life Savings Under Threat

Under the false impression that she was “cooperating with the authorities,” the woman was instructed to transfer all her money via RTGS to multiple bank accounts. Believing that this was merely a temporary “security check”, she emptied her life’s savings — ₹8 lakh gone within hours.

Every time she hesitated, the scammers threatened her with phrases like:

“If you disconnect the call, we will issue your arrest warrant immediately.”

A Mother’s Instinct Ends the Nightmare

On the fourth day, something unexpected happened.

Still unaware she was being scammed, the woman uploaded a photo of her son on WhatsApp — perhaps as a silent sign of strength or a reminder to herself that she was not alone.

Suddenly, the calls stopped.

Perhaps the scammers sensed she had contacted someone. Or maybe they feared her family would report the matter.

Either way — her motherly instinct saved her from losing more.

A Growing Menace: Digital Arrest Scams

This type of fraud, commonly known as a “digital arrest scam,” is rapidly spreading across India. Scammers impersonate law enforcement, RBI officials, or government agencies — using video calls, forged letters, and constant intimidation to trap victims.

Police Urge Citizens: Government Doesn’t Arrest People Over Calls

Authorities are urging people to stay calm if they receive such calls. No government agency — not RBI, not the police, not even the courts — conducts investigations or arrests over phone calls or video calls.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

✔ Never stay on long calls with unknown callers claiming to be from government bodies.
✔ Ask for a written notice via official channels, not WhatsApp or Telegram.
✔ Never transfer money out of fear or pressure.
✔ Contact family members or local police immediately if threatened.

This Dombivli woman’s experience is not just a police case — it is a reminder that fear makes even the strongest vulnerable.