In a shocking case of cybercrime and financial fraud, an elderly couple in Noida's Sector-75 lost a staggering ₹3.14 crore after being kept under a 'digital arrest' for 15 days. The scam began on February 25, 2025, when the couple, identified as Biraj Kumar Sarkar, a retired private bank officer, and his wife, received a call from a man impersonating an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The Noida Police confirmed the incident and stated that the fraudsters used fear, intimidation, and deceit to manipulate the couple into transferring the large sum of money into multiple bank accounts.

How the Scam Unfolded

According to the police, the scam began on February 25 when the couple received a call from a person claiming to be an official from TRAI. The caller requested information about an old phone number linked to Sarkar. After obtaining the information, the caller falsely alleged that the phone number was connected to Naresh Goyal and involved in a money laundering investigation.

The fraudster went on to claim that a criminal case had been registered against Sarkar at the Colaba Police Station in Mumbai. To instil fear, he warned Sarkar that an arrest warrant had been issued and immediate action was required to prevent legal consequences.

Digital Arrest: Intimidation and Fear

The scammers did not stop at simple threats. They manipulated Sarkar further by making him speak to another person posing as a senior police officer from the Colaba station. Since Sarkar expressed his inability to appear in person, the fraudsters convinced him that the legal process could be conducted online.

Over the next 15 days, the fraudsters posed as senior IPS and CBI officers and subjected the couple to intense psychological pressure. Through repeated calls and fabricated threats of immediate arrest, they coerced the couple into transferring ₹3.14 crore to multiple bank accounts as part of an alleged "verification process".

What is Digital Arrest?

A 'digital arrest' is a new form of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate government officials—often from regulatory agencies such as TRAI, CBI, RBI, or police departments—and falsely accuse the victim of being involved in criminal activities like:

• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking
• Misuse of SIM cards

The fraudsters create an environment of fear and urgency by claiming that an arrest warrant has been issued against the victim. They contact victims through phone or video calls, sometimes presenting fake IDs, documents, and live feeds of fabricated courtrooms or police stations. Victims are then coerced into complying with demands to:

• Stay isolated and avoid contact with anyone.
• Transfer large sums of money to different accounts as part of a so-called investigation.
• Provide personal and sensitive information under the pretence of verification.

How the Scam Played Out

In this case, the fraudsters kept the Noida couple isolated for 15 days, ensuring that they had no contact with family or friends. During this time:

• They impersonated senior officials from Colaba Police, IPS officers, and CBI officers.
• They fabricated evidence to strengthen their claims, including false documents and fake court orders.
• They threatened the couple with dire consequences if they failed to comply.

Financial Manipulation and Extortion

Under extreme pressure and confusion, the elderly couple transferred ₹3.14 crore across multiple bank accounts. The couple believed they were cooperating with an ongoing investigation to clear their names. However, by the time they realised they were being scammed, the money had already been siphoned off to unknown accounts.

Police Investigation and FIR

After realising the fraud, Sarkar approached the Cyber Police Station in Noida and lodged a complaint. The police registered an FIR and initiated an investigation to trace the culprits.

The police believe that the scam was carried out by a well-organised cybercrime syndicate that uses sophisticated methods to target senior citizens and vulnerable individuals. Efforts are underway to track the movement of the money and identify the recipients of the transferred funds.

Pattern of Digital Arrest Scams

The digital arrest scam is a growing menace in India, where cybercriminals exploit the fear of law enforcement to manipulate victims. Similar cases have been reported in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other metropolitan cities, where fraudsters impersonate officials and dupe unsuspecting victims out of large sums of money.

Preventive Measures and Awareness

The Noida Police and Cyber Cell have issued a public advisory urging citizens to:

• Verify caller identities before sharing any personal information.
• Avoid transferring money to unknown accounts without proper verification.
• Report suspicious calls immediately to the cybercrime helpline (1930).
• Educate senior citizens and vulnerable family members about the modus operandi of digital fraudsters.

Government and Law Enforcement Action

To combat the rising cases of digital fraud, the Indian government and law enforcement agencies have:

• Increased public awareness campaigns to educate people about digital scams.
• Strengthened cybercrime tracking units to trace online fraudsters.
• Enhanced collaboration with telecom operators to block fraudulent numbers.

Conclusion

The digital arrest scam that left an elderly couple in Noida poorer by ₹3.14 crore serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by cybercriminals. As fraudsters continue to innovate new methods to exploit unsuspecting victims, awareness and vigilance remain the best tools to prevent such incidents. The police have assured that efforts are ongoing to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice while stressing the need for greater caution in dealing with unknown calls and unverified claims.

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