The Sabarkantha Cyber Crime Police in Gujarat averted a significant “digital arrest” cyber fraud targeting a 75-year-old couple after fraudsters impersonated Mumbai Police officers, according to an official statement.
The criminals falsely claimed that Rasikbhai Modi’s Aadhaar-linked SIM card had been involved in a financial fraud connected to an individual named “Naresh Goyal.” They intimidated the couple by keeping them under a so-called “Digital Arrest” through continuous video calls over three days, instilling fear of legal repercussions.
The fraudsters then demanded money to “clear” the couple’s names. They instructed the victims to melt 25 tolas of gold into bars and to break a fixed deposit worth Rs 2 lakh to arrange the required sum. The scam was foiled when the couple visited a bank branch to access the funds. A vigilant bank employee noticed their distressed state, became suspicious of the transaction, and immediately informed the Sabarkantha Cyber Crime Police.
The Cyber Crime team responded promptly, reached the bank, counselled the couple, and assured them they were victims of a cyber scam, thereby preventing the loss of their money and gold. This timely intervention averted a substantial financial loss.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has instructed police to provide immediate aid to citizens at risk of similar cyber frauds. He recently convened a meeting with senior police and bank officials to enhance coordination and implement measures to prevent such scams, ensuring prompt action to safeguard citizens from financial crimes.
The police have reiterated a warning to citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain cautious about “Digital Arrest” scams, emphasising that no police or government agency conducts investigations or requests money through video calls. Individuals are urged to report such incidents without delay to the Cyber Crime Helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
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