Ever received a WhatsApp call claiming to be police?
An elderly NRI doctor couple in South Delhi was defrauded of nearly ₹14 crore in a “digital arrest” scam after fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials and psychologically coerced them to transfer massive sums of money.
The scam unfolded over more than two weeks. Fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and other agencies told the couple that their mobile number and Aadhaar were linked to illegal activity and money laundering, then threatened arrest and legal consequences if they did not cooperate.
Callers claimed to be conducting a legitimate investigation and kept the victims under continuous video calls, creating fear, urgency, and isolation. They pressured the couple to transfer large amounts via RTGS to multiple bank accounts for “verification,” repeatedly advising them not to contact family or law enforcement.
The fraud only came to light after the calls stopped, prompting the couple to approach police and file an FIR.
These so-called “digital arrest” scams work because they exploit a deep fear of authority, punishment, and legal consequences. Victims are convinced that silence and compliance will protect them, when in reality they are being manipulated.
What people must do to avoid becoming victims is specific and non-negotiable:
- Never respond to calls, messages, or video calls claiming legal trouble from police or government agencies.
• Law enforcement does not initiate investigations, threats, or arrests through WhatsApp, email, or private calls.
• Do not share OTPs, bank credentials, or authorise any transfer because someone threatens arrest or legal action.
• Immediately end any communication that demands secrecy, urgency, or isolation from family.
• Independently verify by contacting theofficial police stationusing numbers from verified government websites; do not use numbers provided by the caller.
• Talk to family or trusted contacts before taking any action if you receive such calls. Isolation is exactly what scammers rely on.
• If you have been pressured into transferring money, report the incident without delay on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
https://cybercrime.gov.in
The only defence against these scams is verification and refusal to comply under fear. Real investigations are never conducted by WhatsApp video calls, and no authority asks for money to avoid arrest.
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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’
The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.
Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:
- Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
- ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
- ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
- Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)
Our Mission
The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.