Bengaluru Woman Duped Of Rs 32 Cr In Six-Month ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam By Fake CBI Officers

A 57-year-old woman from Bengaluru fell victim to a digital arrest scam, losing nearly Rs 32 crore over a period of six months. During this time, scammers posing as CBI officers kept her under constant surveillance via Skype. In total, 187 fraudulent transactions siphoned off Rs 31.83 crore.

Bengaluru police reported that between September 15, 2024, and March 26, 2025, the woman was continuously monitored through video calls, causing significant mental and physical distress.

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When And How Did The Incident Took Place 

The scam began in September 2024 when the woman received a call from someone claiming to represent DHL Andheri. The caller alleged that a parcel under her name contained credit cards, passports, and MDMA, and warned that her identity was being misused.

The call was subsequently handed over to two individuals posing as CBI officers. They intimidated her with the claim that the parcel was linked to criminal activity and insisted there was evidence against her. She was also warned not to approach the police, as she was being allegedly monitored. Fearful for her life, her family’s safety, and her son’s forthcoming wedding, the woman stayed silent.

Following this, she was instructed to install Skype and connect with two accounts. PTI reported that a man calling himself Mohit Handa monitored her for two days, after which Rahul Yadav observed her for a week. Another impersonator, Pradeep Singh, presented himself as a senior CBI officer and pressured her to prove her innocence, staying in daily contact with her via Skype.

Between September 24 and October 22, she provided detailed financial information and transferred substantial sums. From October 24 to November 3, she reportedly transferred around Rs 2 crore, along with additional payments labeled as “taxes.”

During this period, she was also organizing her son’s engagement. She requested an official clearance letter from the scammers to ensure her participation in the December 6 event. On December 1, they provided a purported clearance letter. Soon after, she fell ill, and the scammers assured her that the money would be returned by February 25, 2025.

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Each time she inquired about the refund, they offered excuses, and all communication abruptly ceased on March 26, 2025. After her son’s wedding in June, the woman finally approached the authorities and reported the scam.

(With PTI Inputs)