Digital Arrest Scam: Retired Colonel Duped of ₹36 Lakh in Cyber Fraud

A retired colonel from Chandigarh fell victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing ₹36 lakh to fraudsters who posed as Mumbai Crime Branch officers. The scam began with a WhatsApp call claiming that an arrest warrant had been issued against him due to a fake bank account linked to a money laundering case. The caller used psychological pressure, alleging connections to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and fabricated evidence involving the victim’s Aadhaar card.

Under the guise of proving his innocence, the victim was coerced into transferring funds via RTGS to accounts provided by the scammers. The fraudsters maintained constant pressure, even instructing him to stay on video calls for surveillance. Before additional funds could be transferred, the victim’s son intervened, sensing foul play and reporting the incident to the police.

This case highlights the growing menace of cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals, especially senior citizens. It underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance in dealing with unsolicited calls and financial transactions. Authorities are investigating the incident, aiming to trace the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.