• Mou Mou
• 29 Jan, 2025

Online fraud is becoming more sophisticated and a recent case in Kolkata proves how easily scammers manipulate fear. A couple from Gariahat was targeted in a ‘digital arrest’ scam, where they were threatened with false legal charges and kept under surveillance through video calls for 14 days. Under immense pressure they ended up transferring Rs 17 lakh to the fraudsters.

How the Scam Started

Subhashish Roy, a resident of Kankulia Road, Gariahat was once employed in the private sector but is now homebound due to health issues. On December 19th he received a call from someone posing as a Delhi Police officer. The caller claimed that an SBI credit card had been issued in his name and a large loan had been taken. Since the loan was unpaid he was allegedly facing legal action. This was just the beginning of the nightmare.

Trapped Through Fear

The scammers used multiple tactics to intimidate Subhashish

- They threatened him with legal notices from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

- They claimed he was involved in financial fraud, which carried serious consequences.

- They made repeated video calls, posing as officials from the CBI and even mentioning the Supreme Court.

Forced to Stay on Video Call

Subhashish’s wife Sandhya Roy revealed that the fraudsters instructed her husband to stay on video calls even when visiting the bank. Over three separate transactions they convinced him to transfer funds through UPI and liquidate his mutual funds. The couple alleges that they were even threatened with death if they did not comply.

Cyber Experts’ Warning

According to cybersecurity expert Bibhash Chattopadhyay

- Most of these fraud calls originate from foreign locations, often with local accomplices, including bank employees.

- The police never conduct digital arrests or demand money from individuals.

- People should never entertain such video calls. Instead they should report suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline at “1903”.

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Rising Cases Despite Warnings

Despite repeated warnings from the government including Prime Minister Narendra Modi digital scams continue to rise. Experts urge citizens to stay vigilant avoid unknown video calls and report cyber fraud immediately.