New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In one of the biggest cases of cyber fraud reported in the Capital, a retired doctor couple from South Delhi has lost nearly ₹15 crore after being trapped in a so-called “digital arrest” scam, once again highlighting how cyber criminals are exploiting fear and ignorance to target citizens, especially senior residents.


According to the police, the elderly couple was kept under “digital arrest” for almost two weeks, during which cyber fraudsters posing as officials from law enforcement agencies and telecom authorities psychologically coerced them into transferring money to multiple accounts.


How the scam unfolded
Investigators said the fraudsters contacted the couple through calls and video calls, claiming that their phone numbers and bank accounts were linked to money laundering and tax evasion cases. To create fear, the callers impersonated officials from agencies such as the police, TRAI and central investigating bodies.


The victims were told they were under investigation and must remain isolated. They were warned not to contact relatives or step outside their home. Under the guise of “verification” and “cleaning of money”, the couple was instructed to transfer funds to various accounts, with assurances that the money would be returned once the probe was over.


Their children were abroad at the time, a factor that cyber criminals allegedly exploited to keep the victims emotionally isolated and under constant pressure.


Money siphoned into multiple accounts
Preliminary investigation by the Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit suggests that the defrauded amount was routed through five to six primary bank accounts and digital wallets, possibly linked to an organised cybercrime network with interstate or international connections.
Police officials have admitted that recovery of the money could be difficult due to the complex layering of transactions and the cross-border nature of cyber fraud.


Rising threat of ‘digital arrest’ fraud
Police sources said incidents of “digital arrest” scams have seen a sharp rise in recent months, with senior citizens emerging as the most vulnerable targets. In several recent cases across Delhi, elderly victims have been duped of crores by scammers using similar tactics of fear, fake authority and continuous surveillance through video calls.


Police appeal: Awareness is the only protection
Issuing a strong advisory, Delhi Police has appealed to the public to remain alert, stressing that awareness is the only real defence against digital arrest scams.


“No police, CBI, ED or any government agency conducts arrests, investigations or money verification through video calls or phone calls. ‘Digital arrest’ is a myth created by cyber criminals,” a senior police officer said.


The police have urged citizens to:
Immediately disconnect calls that threaten arrest or demand money
Never transfer money or share personal details on the basis of phone or video calls
Inform family members if such calls are received
Report suspicious calls without delay on the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or at the nearest police station


A cautionary tale
The shocking loss suffered by the retired doctor couple serves as a stark reminder that fear is the biggest weapon of cyber fraudsters. Police officials emphasise that timely awareness, verification and reporting can prevent such crimes and save hard-earned lifetime savings.


As cyber scams grow more sophisticated, law enforcement agencies reiterate that public awareness is not just important — it is the only safeguard against the growing menace of digital arrest fraud.