Srinagar, Jan 17 (JKNS): In a shocking cyber fraud, an elderly couple from Srinagar was duped of Rs 48 lakh by fraudsters who lured them into a fake ‘digital arrest’ scheme, impersonating officials from central investigative agencies. The incident highlights the rising sophistication of cyber criminals targeting senior citizens.
An official told news agency JKNS, the scammers contacted the couple through a WhatsApp video call, falsely claiming to be officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and alleged their involvement in a major financial fraud case.
The fraudsters sent fabricated CBI and TRAI orders and threatened to freeze the couple’s bank accounts and seize their property, official said.
They further subjected the victims to continuous video surveillance for several days, even restricting their movement and forbidding them from leaving their residence without permission, official said.
He said that, Living under intense psychological pressure and fear, the elderly couple ultimately transferred Rs 48 lakh to the fraudsters.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence, Crime Branch J&K, has once again cautioned the public that there is no concept of ‘digital arrest’ and urged people facing such situations to immediately report the matter on helpline number 1930 or through the official portal www.cybercrime.gov.in., official said.
Senior citizens living alone are often targeted in such scams and advised people to remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to cyber fraudsters, official said. (JKNS)
