Delhi Police uncovered a gang that cheated an 80-year-old man of nearly ₹1 crore using an online scam called “digital arrest.” Five people were arrested, including two employees of a private bank.
How the Victim Was Trapped and Cheated?
The scammers contacted the elderly man on WhatsApp, pretending to be officials from telecom, police, and central government agencies. They falsely told him that his mobile number and Aadhaar card were linked to illegal activities. To scare him, they claimed he and his wife were under “digital arrest”. Forced them to stay isolated for seven days and told not to tell anyone. Scammers keep him on continuous video calls for days
During this time, the fraudsters pressured the man to:
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Close his fixed deposits
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Transfer all his savings
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Even take a gold loan
They promised that all the money would be returned after a fake “verification process.” Over time, ₹1 crore gets drained.
Why elderly people are targeted?
Elderly people are often targeted because they tend to respect authority and fear police or legal trouble, have limited familiarity with cybercrime tactics, and usually possess large life savings. Scammers exploit these vulnerabilities by creating fear, urgency, and isolation to manipulate their victims.
Why were bank employees arrested?
After a complaint was filed, the police investigated bank records, phone data, and online activity. They tracked down two accused in Hisar, Haryana, who helped operate the scam, and another accused in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, who managed fake bank and GST accounts to conceal the stolen money.
Two bank employees in West Delhi allegedly helped the gang by opening fake bank accounts using forged documents, which made it easier to move the stolen money. They are also accused of allowing suspicious transactions, ignoring clear warning signs such as unusually large transfers by an elderly customer who appeared distressed, and possibly working with the scammers in return for commission.
Banks are legally required to identify, flag, and stop such unusual financial activity, especially when it involves senior citizens. The police are still investigating to find more people involved, follow the money trail, and uncover the full scam network.
“Digital arrest” is completely fake, as police never demand money over phone or video calls. No genuine officer will ever ask someone to stay on a call or transfer money for “verification.” Banks and family members must step in and intervene when they notice large, sudden financial transfers to prevent such frauds.
