On December 3, 2025, Mulki police in Karnataka and a Kinnigoli bank manager reportedly thwarted a digital arrest scam, saving elderly couple Benedict Fernandes (84) and Lilly Cecilia Fernandes (71) from losing Rs 84 lakh to fraudsters posing as Uttar Pradesh CID officers.
The scammers reportedly claimed a Rs 6 crore money laundering case via WhatsApp calls, demanding urgent transfers, but the bank’s suspicion and police verification exposed the fraud before any money moved. Officials hailed the teamwork, while the couple expressed gratitude; investigations ongoing with no arrests yet.
Digital Arrest Surge
Digital arrest scams have proliferated in India, with fraudsters impersonating police to terrify victims into transfers under false arrest threats.
This incident began on December 1 when the couple received WhatsApp calls alleging illegal Rs 6 crore transactions linked to a parcel fraud, complete with threats of physical arrest and personal details.
The elderly duo, former Gulf workers from Damaskatte near Kinnigoli, fell under two-day pressure, leading the wife to approach the bank on December 2-3 for fixed deposit liquidation.
Alert Actions Unfold
Bank manager Royston D’Souza grew wary of the unexplained Rs 84 lakh transfer to a Uttar Pradesh pharmacy account and stalled it, alerting Mulki beat officers Yashwanth Kumar and Kishore. Police rushed to the couple’s home amid a live scammer video call, checked phones, and confirmed no Uttar Pradesh CID case existed.
Mulki Inspector Manjunath BS told media, “Swift vigilance by the bank and our team prevented huge loss and underscores awareness needs.” Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy added that the couple faced intense coercion but escaped harm.
Stay Safe from Digital Arrest Scams
- Alert family members, neighbours, or your bank manager right away; their quick input often uncovers the scam early.
- Verify suspicious claims by calling your local police station directly, as genuine officers never demand money over phone or video calls.
- Never share OTPs, bank details, passwords, or personal information, since scammers exploit these to drain accounts instantly.
- Stay calm, end the call immediately if threats arise, and block the fraudster’s number to prevent further contact.
- Report incidents promptly to the 1930 national helpline or cybercrime.gov.in for expert investigation and recovery support.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This rescue exemplifies how kindness, quick thinking, and community collaboration shield vulnerable elders from digital predators, nurturing trust and harmony in society. While celebrating such wins, stronger awareness drives and support networks remain essential for coexistence.
