SRINAGAR: An elderly couple in Srinagar has been duped of Rs 48 lakh by cyber fraudsters who posed as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and subjected them to a fake “digital arrest”, police sources said.
Officials said the couple received a WhatsApp video call from unidentified persons claiming to be CBI officers investigating them in an alleged financial fraud case. The callers also impersonated TRAI officials and sent forged documents and fake orders in the names of both agencies to make their claims appear genuine.
The fraudsters allegedly threatened to freeze the couple’s bank accounts and seize their property, forcing them to remain under continuous video surveillance for several days. The victims were reportedly instructed not to step out of their home without permission and were even monitored while using the washroom, leaving them under severe psychological distress.
Under sustained intimidation and pressure, the couple transferred Rs 48 lakh to the accounts provided by the scammers.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Centre for Excellence of the Crime Branch, Jammu and Kashmir, has issued repeated advisories stating that there is no such provision as “digital arrest” and urged people to treat such calls as fraud.
Officials said victims of similar scams should immediately report the matter on the national cyber helpline 1930 or through the official cybercrime portal.
Cyber authorities said such fraudsters frequently target senior citizens, particularly those living alone or whose children are employed outside the Union Territory.
People have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid sharing banking details and verify any claims made by callers impersonating law enforcement or regulatory bodies.
