• Source:JND
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In yet another shocking case of cybercrime, a retired Principal Private Secretary from Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, has fallen victim to a digital arrest scam, losing a staggering ₹50 lakh over five days.

How the Scam Began

The ordeal began on August 18 when he got a call from a woman who identified herself as Inspector Anita Verma. The officer claimed that it was registered against him in Jammu & Kashmir, as he made a terror funding transaction using an Aadhaar card.

In order to sound convincing, the scammers texted a phony case number and a fabricated arrest warrant over WhatsApp, and said the police were on the way to arrest him.

Escalating Threats

On August 19, another caller introduced himself as police officer Deepak Sharma, who intensified the threats. He accused Pradhan of being linked to a terror funding operation worth ₹70 crore, claiming that ₹70 lakh had already been deposited in his account as “commission.”

Unless the money was “returned immediately,” the scammers threatened, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) would arrest him, and his family would face dire consequences.

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Forced Money Transfers

Under relentless psychological pressure, Pradhan complied:

  • August 19 – ₹20 lakh transferred to Taramani Enterprises in Odisha
  • August 20 – ₹14 lakh sent to Buddha Yoga Health Foundation in Andhra Pradesh
  • August 22 – ₹16 lakh moved to an ICICI Bank account in Maharashtra

Despite these payments, the harassment continued until August 29, leaving the retired officer deeply distressed.

Police Action

The case has been registered at the PGI police station, with the cybercrime cell now investigating the fraud. Authorities are working to trace the accounts and the perpetrators spread across multiple states.

Authorities’ Warning

Police have issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant against digital arrest scams. Key warnings include:

  • No law enforcement agency demands money transfers over phone calls.
  • Verify any such claims directly with local police authorities.
  • Never share banking details or transfer money under duress.

What Are Digital Arrest Scams?

In these scams, cybercriminals impersonate police, enforcement officers, or government officials. They fabricate charges, often involving money laundering or terror links, and then intimidate victims into making huge payments to “settle” the case.

Such scams have seen a surge across India, targeting senior citizens, government employees, and high-profile individuals.

Final Takeaway

The case in Lucknow brings to mind the increasing threat of the psychological games in cybercrime. It’s attention and vigilance that are our greatest defense. If you ever do receive one of these threats over the phone just hang up and call your local police.