A 57-year-old woman in Bengaluru was defrauded of nearly Rs 32 crore in a sinister “digital arrest” scam which lasted about six months. The perpetrators pretended to be officials from agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and manipulated her through fear and constant surveillance, coercing her into making 187 bank transfers.
This extensive fraud began in September 2024 and unraveled after the victim, overwhelmed by the ordeal, finally approached police in mid-2025. Bengaluru police have since registered a FIR and are currently investigating the matter, with Karnataka’s Home Minister assuring strict action against the culprits.
The Ordeal: How the Scam Unfolded
The scam started with a shocking call from someone claiming to be a DHL executive stating a package in the victim’s name, containing prohibited items like passports, credit cards, and illegal drugs, was intercepted in Mumbai. Despite living in Bengaluru, the victim was warned that her phone number was linked to this “cybercrime” case, and the call was transferred to impostors impersonating CBI officers.
They warned her against contacting local police and convinced her that criminals were monitoring her home. Under intense fear for her family’s safety and important upcoming events like her son’s wedding, she was forced to install two Skype accounts for continuous video surveillance.
The fraudsters controlled her virtually, monitoring her actions and threats became routine. She was pressured to prove her innocence financially by disclosing all her bank details and finally transferring crores of rupees in 187 transactions, including liquidating fixed deposits and savings.
Between September 2024 and early 2025, nearly Rs 31.83 crore was siphoned off. The scammers created a false narrative promising refunds and clearances, providing forged documents including a fake CBI clearance letter. Despite these assurances, the communication abruptly stopped in March 2025, leaving her mentally and physically distressed.
Wider Context and Official Response
This case highlights a growing pattern of “digital arrest” scams in India where criminals impersonate government officials to instil panic, coerce victims, and fraudulently extract large sums. Karnataka’s cybercrime division is actively investigating this scam as one of the largest financial frauds experienced by an individual in the state.
The authorities have cautioned citizens to be sceptical of unsolicited calls from purported enforcement officers and to verify the caller’s identity through official channels rather than succumbing to pressure.
Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara has promised that the police will apprehend those responsible and strengthen public awareness campaigns to prevent such frauds.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This harrowing incident reveals the profound psychological manipulation criminals can wield by exploiting the trust and fears citizens hold towards law enforcement. Beyond the staggering financial loss, it is the erosion of faith in institutions and the trauma borne by victims that is deeply concerning.
A holistic approach is required, combining stringent legal action, widespread digital literacy, and an empathetic institutional interface, to safeguard citizens from these pernicious scams.
