Senior Citizen Loses 21 Lakh In Digital Arrest Scam

A 75-year-old man from Yakutpura was cheated of Rs 21 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam, where fraudsters impersonated police officers and misused his Aadhaar details.

On August 14, the victim received a call from a conman who claimed that the former's Aadhaar was linked to a money laundering case. Over WhatsApp video calls, one of the fraudsters posed as an IPS officer, showed fake documents, and warned the old man to keep the matter confidential.

Fearing arrest and imprisonment, the victim transferred money for "verification" in five instalments between August 19 and September 2.

The gang also sent forged letters with government seals to gain his trust.

When they demanded additional money without returning the earlier transfers, the senior citizen realized it was a fraud and filed a complaint.

Police have launched an investigation and warned the public against such scams involving fake officials and Aadhaar misuse.