In a digital arrest scam, a 51-year-old nursing officer was duped of Rs 7 lakh. The scammers posed as Mumbai police officers, falsely accusing her of being involved in a money laundering case.
When & How?
According to The Times of India, on July 18, around 4:56 pm, the victim received a call from a person claiming to be from the telecommunications department. The victim was warned that her Aadhaar card had been misused to issue a phone number. The victim was told that she needed to lodge a police complaint; if she failed to do so, then her Aadhaar card would be blacklisted.
"Mumbai Crime Branch"
She was then given a number for the Mumbai Crime Branch, following which the call abruptly ended. This was followed by a WhatsApp video call from the number.
No Contact
For 24 hours, the victim was kept under 'surveillance' and asked not to contact anyone, not even her husband. They informed that her husband's life would be endangered.
Victim Is Accused Of Money-Laundering
According to the woman's complaint, during the video call, a man dressed as a Mumbai Crime Branch officer appeared on the call briefly. He later turned off the camera and sent her a photo of a businessman linked to a money laundering case. The fake officer said that an ATM card linked to her name was found during a search of the businessman's house, and the officer accused the victim of being involved in the crime.
24 Hour Surveillance
The officer insisted that she had to remain under surveillance for 24 hours without contacting anyone. She was forbidden from using social media.
Fake CBI Warrant
Fake copies of a CBI warrant were sent to the victim, along with fake copies of a Supreme Court order, an FIR and Enforcement Directorate notices. She was forced to write a letter.
