Lucknow woman thwarts Rs 60 lakh digital arrest scam targeting father

Lucknow: A 50-year-old private sector employee in Lucknow thwarted a Rs 60 lakh “digital arrest” scam targeting her 86-year-old father by spotting early warning signs and triggering swift police intervention.

Huma Mustafa, who had previously undergone cyber awareness training as part of ongoing outreach by the city’s cyber crime unit, noticed subtle but telling changes in her father Hamid Mustafa’s behaviour over recent days.

The retired panchayati raj department officer became unusually secretive, guarding his mobile phone and laptop and engaging in prolonged, private conversations — classic red flags flagged in awareness modules.

Huma approached the Cyber Crime Cell in Hazratganj without delay. During counselling by police, it emerged that on April 8, Hamid Mustafa received a WhatsApp video call from fraudsters impersonating officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Reserve Bank of India. The callers falsely accused him of involvement in a human trafficking case and threatened him with “digital arrest”, warning him against informing family members.

Exploiting fear and isolation, the fraudsters pressured the elderly man to arrange Rs 60 lakh to “settle” the fabricated case. Under duress, he nearly issued a cheque to facilitate the payment.

The cyber team intervened immediately, counselled the victim, examined his devices and broke the psychological hold created by the scammers. The payment was halted just in time, averting a major financial loss.

Inspector, Cyber cell, Sunil Kumar Singh, who led the counselling, said the case underscores how awareness can be the first and most effective line of defence against evolving cyber frauds.

In a video message, Huma Mustafa thanked the cyber cell and urged citizens — especially families with elderly members — to stay informed and vigilant.

Police appealed to the public to verify unknown calls, avoid sharing personal or banking details and report suspicious activity immediately on the national cyber helpline 1930 or at the nearest cyber police station.

Police have appealed to the public to verify unknown calls, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and report suspicious activity immediately on the national cyber helpline 1930 or at the nearest cyber police station.