Cybercon gang dupes retd govt doc of ₹1.55cr

Lucknow: In a case of “digital arrest” cyber fraud, a 75-year-old retired govt doctor in Lucknow was allegedly duped of ₹1.55 crore by an interstate cyber gang that impersonated police and national investigation agency officials.

According to an FIR lodged at the cyber police station, the accused contacted the victim on Apr 11, posing as a police inspector. The caller falsely claimed that the victim’s Aadhaar details were linked to illegal and terrorist acts and warned of imminent legal action.

The fraudsters then escalated the intimidation by posing as senior officials from the National Investigation Agency and ATS, and instructed the victim to obtain a so-called “security clearance certificate.” The elderly woman, who lives alone, was allegedly placed under “digital arrest.

Police said the accused threatened the victim with arrest and legal action against her family, forcing her into complete isolation and into sharing her bank account details.

Between Apr 13 and Apr 17, the victim transferred ₹1.55crore in four instalments via RTGS from accounts in different banks.

The fraud came to light when the promised “security certificate” was not issued and the money was not returned, prompting the victim to suspect foul play. She subsequently filed an online complaint on the national cyber portal and approached the police.

Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of cheating, impersonation, and IT Act provisions. Investigators are analysing call detail records, bank transaction trails and digital footprints of the accused, who used multiple mobile numbers to execute the fraud.

Officials said such “digital arrest” scams are an emerging trend, where cybercriminals exploit fear of law enforcement agencies to manipulate victims into transferring money.
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