A distressing case from Bengaluru highlights how a routine phone call escalated into a two-day nightmare for a 73-year-old man, ultimately costing him Rs 50 lakh. According to the FIR filed on March 8, the ordeal began on the afternoon of March 5 when the Domlur resident received a call from an unknown number. The caller falsely claimed that the man’s mobile number had been involved in a money-laundering case and that he was required to undergo an immediate inquiry. Shortly after, the same individual contacted him through WhatsApp, informing him that he had been “digitally arrested” and would have to comply with specific instructions throughout the inquiry.
Elderly Bengaluru Man Duped by Fake Digital Arrest and Court Scam
The scammers reinforced their claims by sending him a fabricated document titled Financial Transaction Committee Order, which appeared to bear the official header of the Supreme Court of India. They introduced themselves as officials from an agency they called the “Protection of Anti Money Laundering Office of India” and asserted that he was a suspect who had to follow their directions to secure his acquittal. To intensify pressure, the victim was instructed not to contact anyone for 72 hours and was forced to stay on continuous WhatsApp calls. The scammers further claimed that officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation in Navi Mumbai were monitoring him and that personnel were positioned outside his residence.
On the morning of March 7, around 8.30 am, the elderly man told the callers that he was suffering from high blood pressure and was unable to stay on the call. The scammers responded by saying they would send medicine to his residence. Within minutes, an unknown individual appeared at his doorstep claiming to deliver the medication, adding to the illusion of legitimacy. Later that morning, around 10.30 am, the scammers directed him to join a WhatsApp video call, presenting it as a “court proceeding.” During this staged session, they displayed a fake order of acquittal and instructed him to transfer Rs 50 lakh to a designated bank account. Fearing severe consequences, the man complied and transferred the money to an account under the name “PAYNCARE TECHNOLOGIE.” Upon realising he had been deceived, he approached the police and filed a complaint. The case was registered at the Bengaluru East CEN police station under Sections 66(C), 66(D) of the IT Act and Sections 308 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Summary:
A 73-year-old Bengaluru man was duped of Rs 50 lakh after scammers posing as officials sent fake documents bearing the Supreme Court of India header and claimed monitoring by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Forced into continuous WhatsApp surveillance, he transferred money before filing a case at Bengaluru East CEN Police Station.
