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Elderly woman, under digital arrest for nearly 8 months…

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activeCyber Crime / Digital ArrestPan India

Elderly woman, under digital arrest for nearly 8 months, duped of ₹68 lakh

A retired elderly woman living alone in Pune was allegedly conned out of 68 lakh rupees in an extended digital arrest scam lasting nearly eight months. According to police reports, fraudsters posing as government and law enforcement officials contacted the victim, claiming she was linked to illegal activities and money laundering. They accused her of uploading obscene content and asserted that her bank account was tied to a terrorist outfit in Kerala.

State

Multiple States

First reported

October 2026

Amount alleged

₹68 lakh

Agency involved

Cyber Police

Status

Case registered and under investigation

The full story

Everything you need to know about this case, in one place.

The scammers reportedly subjected the victim to a prolonged video call, intimidating her with fabricated arrest warrants and threats of imprisonment. Police stated that the frightened woman complied with their instructions to prove her innocence. Believing she was under lawful investigation, she liquidated her life savings and investments, transferring the funds across multiple bank accounts using various digital payment applications.

The cyber police registered a formal case after verifying a complaint submitted by the victim. Investigators noted that the perpetrators used the psychological pressure of a simulated digital arrest to keep the woman isolated and compliant over a period spanning from March to October.

Not yet reported: The articles do not mention any suspect arrests or the identities of the individuals operating the fraudulent bank accounts.

Where the case stands

The latest position in the reports we read.

The cyber police have registered an FIR following the victim's complaint and an investigation is underway.

Who was affected

Described in general terms; we do not name victims.

An elderly woman living by herself in Pune whose children reside abroad.

Timeline

Key dates as reported, oldest first.

MarchThe fraudsters first contacted the elderly woman by phone and initiated the scam.

First week of OctoberThe prolonged digital arrest period concluded after the victim transferred her life savings.

MondayThe cyber police formally registered an FIR after verifying the victim's complaint.

How the scam worked

The method described in the reports.

Fraudsters contacted the victim by phone and accused her of uploading obscene photographs and videos online.
The callers claimed the Data Protection Board of India was investigating the matter and instructed her to obtain a clearance certificate.
A fake Mumbai crime branch officer connected with the victim via video call and interrogated her about her assets.
The scammers falsely alleged that her bank account had laundered money for a banned terrorist organization and that she had received commissions.
The suspects issued a fake digital arrest warrant and threatened her with imminent imprisonment.
Under the pretext of helping her resolve the issue, the fraudsters demanded money and provided multiple bank accounts for transfers.

Targeted by something similar?

Call 1930 (free, 24x7) straight away, then file at cybercrime.gov.in. Money reported in the first hours is far easier to freeze.

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Sources and further reading

Optional. The full story is above; these are the original reports it was prepared from.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comOriginal report The Times of IndiaOpens via Google News

Prepared by Report Scams, with the help of AI, from the published reports listed above. Check those reports for the latest. Cases here describe allegations. An FIR, arrest or charge is not a finding of guilt. To report a mistake, or to ask for a correction or removal, write to our Grievance Officer. See also the Safe Posting policy.