Pune, 31st July 2026: A 72-year-old senior citizen lost ₹1.05 crore after cyber fraudsters posing as police officers trapped him in a 'digital arrest' scam. The accused allegedly threatened the victim with legal action by falsely claiming that his Aadhaar and debit card had been linked to a money laundering case.
According to Cyber Police, the victim, a resident of Omkareshwar Society in Sahakarnagar, received a WhatsApp video call on July 25 from individuals claiming to be police officers.
The fraudsters told him that his Aadhaar card and debit card had been misused in a money laundering investigation. To make the story appear genuine, they sent forged documents carrying the names and letterheads of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the Supreme Court.
The accused instructed the senior citizen to transfer the money from his bank accounts and fixed deposits to a 'verification' account, assuring him that the amount would be returned after the investigation.
They also warned him that he could face arrest if he failed to cooperate with the authorities. Believing the claims to be genuine, the victim transferred ₹1.05 crore online.
After realising he had been cheated, the senior citizen approached the Cyber Police Station and lodged a complaint.
Police have registered a case against the unidentified mobile number users and bank account holders involved in the fraud. The investigation is being led by Senior Police Inspector Swapnali Shinde.
Fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, ED, RBI, or other government officials.
Victims are falsely told they are linked to a criminal case and are threatened with immediate arrest.
Fake notices, video calls, and forged official documents are used to create panic.
Victims are then pressured into transferring money to so-called "safe" or 'verification' accounts.
Police have repeatedly advised citizens that no law enforcement agency asks people to transfer money for verification or investigation, and anyone receiving such calls should disconnect immediately and report the incident to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the nearest cyber police station.
