Online scams are getting smarter every day, and a recent case in Kollam, Kerala, is a chilling reminder of how easily anyone can fall victim. An elderly man lost a staggering ₹3.72 crore in what’s known as a “digital arrest” fraud. This isn’t just about losing money—it’s about scammers using fear and tech to trick people into giving away their life savings.
The incident unfolded on July 7, 2025, when the 79-year-old man received a call from someone claiming to be a BSNL official. The caller accused him of being involved in illegal activities and quickly transferred the call to another person, who pretended to be a Mumbai Cyber Police officer. This scammer, in a fake police uniform on a video call, threatened the victim with a fraudulent arrest warrant, claiming his Aadhaar details were used to open a bank account for criminal activities.
Panicked and believing the threats, the victim was put under a “virtual arrest” and told he needed to stay on a continuous video call. The fraudsters, in a cruel twist, promised to “acquit” him if he “verified” his bank accounts. Over the next month, from July 23 to August 29, the victim made 17 transactions, transferring his and his wife’s entire savings—a shocking ₹3.72 crore—to the scammers’ accounts. The elderly man only realized he had been duped after the money wasn’t returned as promised.
Currently, the Kollam City Cyber Police are on the case. They have registered a complaint and are working to trace and freeze the accounts to which the money was transferred. As of now, the scammers have not been caught. This case highlights a disturbing trend where con artists prey on people’s fear and trust in authority figures.
To stay safe, remember these key things: Scammers first make you panic and then they extort your money. If someone is trying to make you panic, it’s a major red flag. Never transfer money to verify your bank accounts, and never share your personal or financial details with unknown callers, no matter who they claim to be. Always verify such requests through official channels. If a situation feels off, trust your gut and disconnect the call immediately.
