Digital Deception Strikes
In a disturbing trend, two senior citizens residing in Kolkata's Chetla and Anandapur neighborhoods were recently ensnared by a devious digital arrest scam, resulting in a combined financial loss of ₹64.5
lakh. The perpetrators cunningly masqueraded as credible officials from federal agencies such as the CBI and judicial bodies, exploiting the trust and vulnerability of the elderly. These incidents mark a concerning resurgence of this cyber-extortion tactic within the city, with the total number of reported digital arrest cases reaching seven in just one week, highlighting the evolving methods of cybercriminals targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly those in their twilight years.
Anandapur Victim's Ordeal
One of the victims, a 72-year-old man living in an Anandapur cooperative housing society, was targeted over a period from March 23 to April 7. He was subjected to a barrage of phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be an inspector from Navi Mumbai and the Chief of the CBI. These fraudsters fabricated a narrative, accusing him of involvement in a significant money laundering scheme and threatening to freeze his entire retirement savings. Under this immense pressure, the victim was coerced into executing three separate RTGS transfers, totaling ₹54 lakh, into an account provided by the criminals. The victim later recounted to the police how the calls felt remarkably authentic and how the constant communication from the scammers prevented him from seeking external advice or questioning their legitimacy, demonstrating the psychological manipulation employed in these schemes.
Chetla Resident Targeted
Similarly, an 80-year-old retired corporate general manager residing in Chetla fell prey to a similar elaborate plot on April 2. He received an initial call from someone purporting to be a CBI officer from Delhi. The intimidation escalated dramatically through WhatsApp video calls, where the victim was allegedly confronted by a group of four to five men dressed in what appeared to be police uniforms. Adding to the charade, one of the fraudsters donned a black robe, mimicking the appearance of a Supreme Court judge. To further solidify their false claims, the scammers presented forged court orders bearing the victim's name and featuring official emblems of the Supreme Court and the CBI. The victim, believing he was under 'digital arrest,' transferred ₹33 lakh in two installments to prevent the supposed cancellation of a fabricated bail, stating in his complaint that he was virtually confined to his home via video calls and forbidden from contacting anyone.
Investigation and Challenges
Following these incidents, the Kolkata Police have registered First Information Reports (FIRs) under the new penal code (BNS) and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. The detective department is actively investigating whether a single criminal syndicate is responsible for both these meticulously orchestrated crimes. However, investigators acknowledge the significant challenges in recovering the swindled funds, as the money is frequently moved through multiple 'mule accounts' within minutes of the initial transfer. While efforts are underway to flag and freeze the suspect accounts, the rapid pace of digital transactions often surpasses the traditional investigative procedures, making recovery a complex and time-consuming endeavor.
Police Advisory Issued
In response to the alarming rise in digital arrest scams, Kolkata Police have reissued a crucial advisory for the public. They emphasize that no legitimate government agency, including the CBI, Customs, or state police, conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp video calls. Citizens are strongly urged to remember that no official agency will ever demand the transfer of funds into private accounts for verification or safekeeping purposes. The police reiterate that any demand to remain on a video call under the pretext of an arrest is a clear indicator of a scam. They encourage residents, especially senior citizens living alone, to immediately contact the cybercrime helpline or their nearest police station if they receive such suspicious calls, reinforcing the importance of vigilance and seeking help promptly.
