A 72-year-old retired nurse from Nagpur’s Jaripatka area allegedly lost Rs 90.65 lakh after being trapped in a chilling “digital arrest” cyber scam orchestrated by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.
The case, now under investigation by the Nagpur Cyber Police, highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime syndicates that manipulate fear, fake investigations and psychological pressure to target vulnerable citizens, especially senior citizens.
According to police, the woman, a resident of Martin Nagar, received a call on November 19, 2025, from a man identifying himself as “Sandeep Rao.” The caller claimed her name had surfaced in a money laundering case allegedly linked to businessman Naresh Goyal and warned that she faced imminent arrest.
The scam soon escalated into an elaborate deception.
Investigators said the victim was drawn into what appeared to be an official online legal process and was later connected to another fraudster posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officer “Vijay Khanna.” During a WhatsApp video call, the accused allegedly appeared in police uniform, creating a convincing atmosphere of authority and fear.
The fraudsters then told the retired nurse she was under “digital arrest” and instructed her not to discuss the matter with anyone. Police believe the accused deliberately isolated the victim emotionally and mentally, keeping her frightened and dependent on their directions.
Under the guise of “financial verification,” the scammers allegedly convinced her that all funds in her bank accounts had to be examined to prove they were not connected to illegal activities.
Fearing arrest and believing the calls were genuine, the woman prematurely withdrew two fixed deposits and transferred large amounts through multiple RTGS transactions to bank accounts provided by the accused.
Police said that between November 26 and December 9, 2025, she transferred a total of Rs 90.65 lakh.
Even after obtaining the money, the fraudsters allegedly continued the deception. On December 10, they informed the woman that the “verification process” had failed but assured her the funds would be returned the next day.
The scam unravelled on December 11 when the victim tried contacting the so-called officials and discovered that all their phone numbers had been switched off.
Realising she had fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, the retired nurse approached the Cyber Police Station, where a case was subsequently registered.
Investigators say the incident reflects a rapidly rising pattern of “digital arrest” scams across India, in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI officials, ED personnel and court authorities to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Cyber experts warn that such syndicates operate with alarming professionalism, using fake identities, forged documents, spoofed calls, police uniforms and staged video conferences to create the illusion of legitimate legal action.
The case has once again raised concerns about the vulnerability of senior citizens to cyber manipulation and the urgent need for stronger digital awareness campaigns.
Police have urged citizens to remember that no genuine law enforcement agency conducts “digital arrests” or asks individuals to transfer money for account verification through video calls or messaging platforms.Further investigation is underway.
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