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A retired banker and his wife in Mumbai were victimised in a sophisticated “digital arrest” cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated police officials and forced them to stay on a continuous video call for three days, reported India Today. This coercion led the couple to transfer Rs 50.5 lakh, their life savings, under false pretence. The North Region Cyber Police traced Rs 29.5 lakh to a mule account allegedly operated by Ravi Ananda Ambore, arrested on October 25; his confession led to the arrest of Vishwapal Chandrakant Jadhav, implicated in at least seven similar frauds. This alarming case exposes the increasing complexity of cybercrimes targeting vulnerable citizens in India. Mumbai Couple Digital Arrest Scam Between September 11 and 24, the elderly couple reportedly received repeated WhatsApp calls from a number claiming to be from the Nashik police. Impersonating an IPS officer from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the fraudsters alleged the man’s involvement in a money laundering probe, presenting a fake FIR to lend credibility. The couple was instructed to remain on a video call uninterrupted for three days, a psychological tactic to isolate and manipulate them. During this “interrogation,” scammers extracted detailed financial information and coerced the victim to transfer Rs 50.5 lakh to accounts controlled by the criminals, after which contact was abruptly severed. Investigation and Arrests Reveal Wider Network The North Region Cyber Police launched a probe tracing part of the stolen money to a “first-layer” mule account controlled allegedly by 35-year-old Ravi Ananda Ambore from Ulhasnagar, Thane district. Ambore was apprehended on October 25 and admitted to renting his bank account to cybercriminals in exchange for a commission. His information led investigators to Vishwapal Chandrakant Jadhav (37), whose bank accounts had been used similarly in at least seven other scams spanning multiple states. Police warn these facilitators help launder money through layered accounts, making tracking difficult and enabling large-scale digital fraud operations. Cybercrime Prevention Tips To protect yourself from digital arrest scams and other cyber frauds, keep these essential tips in mind: Never Share Personal Information: Avoid revealing bank details, OTPs, passwords, or any sensitive data to unknown callers or online contacts. Verify Caller Identity: Independently confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer or government official by contacting the official helpline or police station. Don’t Succumb to Pressure: Fraudsters use fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Stay calm, do not rush into any financial transactions, and question suspicious requests. Block and Report Suspicious Calls: Use caller ID apps and telecom tools to block spam calls, and report fraudulent communication to the national cybercrime helpline (1930) or cybercrime.gov.in immediately. Educate Family and Friends: Spread awareness, especially among elderly relatives or less tech-savvy people, about such scams and the proper steps to take if targeted. The Logical Indian’s Perspective This distressing case underscores the urgent need for greater cyber awareness and solidarity in protecting vulnerable citizens against psychological manipulation through digital platforms. The Logical Indian advocates comprehensive public education on recognising such frauds and stresses the importance of fast, efficient police response to deter cybercriminals. It also calls on families and communities to support their elders with digital literacy and caution.
