Pune: An 85-year-old retired Army officer has been cheated of ₹12 lakh in a digital arrest scam after fraudsters impersonating Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers induced him to transfer the amount for purported verification. A case was registered with the Chikhali police on Wednesday.
According to the complaint, the officer received a video call from an unknown number on 1 September. The caller identified himself as an ED officer and alleged that harassment calls had originated from a mobile number registered in the victim’s name. The impersonator further claimed that suspicious transactions had been carried out from the officer’s bank account and accused him of money laundering.
Inspector Amol Phadtare told The Times of India that the caller threatened the complainant with arrest and compelled him to share his bank account details. The officer was then instructed to transfer money for “verification,” with an assurance that the sum would be refunded. The transfers took place between 1 and 5 September.
When the ₹12 lakh was not returned, the retired officer contacted the same number. The caller demanded additional funds. Suspecting fraud, the victim approached the police and lodged a complaint. Investigation is in progress.
Digital arrest scams commonly involve impersonation of officials from agencies such as the ED, CBI or police. Callers use video calls, threats of arrest and false claims of money laundering or other offences to isolate elderly victims and extract funds into mule accounts. Genuine agencies do not demand money for verification or place citizens under digital arrest.
Anyone receiving such a call should disconnect immediately, avoid sharing bank details or OTPs, and report the incident to the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Family members of senior citizens are advised to remain vigilant about unexpected transfers.
