Two shocking cybercrime incidents in Maharashtra have left senior citizens significantly impoverished. A 74-year-old in Thane lost ₹3.57 crore, and a 77-year-old in Mumbai lost ₹3.8 crore to scammers impersonating police officers. Authorities are investigating, highlighting the growing threat of digital fraud targeting vulnerable populations.
A 44-year-old IT employee in Hyderabad was held captive for nearly 30 hours by scammers who impersonated Mumbai Police, threatening him with a fake money laundering case and ‘digital arrest’. The employee, despite being terrified by the elaborate scheme, managed to escape the trap without losing any money. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams in India and emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant against such threats.
India is facing a growing wave of ‘digital arrest’ scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims. The government has reported over ₹120 crore in losses during the first quarter of 2024 alone, with victims tricked into believing they are under arrest for illegal activities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the alarming rise of these scams and urged citizens to be vigilant.
