BJP MP K Sudhakar`s wife loses Rs 14 lakh via `digital arrest`, money recovered
**Beware of ‘Digital Arrest’ Cybercrime: Bengaluru Woman Loses Rs 14 Lakh in WhatsApp Fraud**
Digital arrest is an emerging form of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate police or enforcement officials to intimidate victims. Using WhatsApp video calls, they claim the victim is implicated in criminal cases, coercing them into transferring money under false pretenses.
Recently, Preeti Sudhakar (44), wife of K Sudhakar and a resident of Basaveshwaranagar, Bengaluru, fell prey to such a scam. Preeti received a WhatsApp call from cybercriminals posing as officials from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Police. The fraudsters alleged an illegal transfer of funds from her bank account.
Convincing her that the money needed to be verified, they persuaded Preeti to transfer Rs 14 lakh to an account they claimed belonged to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They promised to return the amount within 45 minutes and threatened arrest if she failed to comply, according to PTI reports.
Under this coercion, Preeti transferred Rs 14 lakh from her HDFC Bank account to an unknown YES Bank account. Realising the scam, she promptly lodged a complaint the same evening and contacted the National Cyber Helpline (NCRP) at 1930 — taking crucial action within the Golden Hour.
Thanks to her quick response, the police acted swiftly. Following an investigation, the amount transferred to the fraudsters’ account was frozen. On September 3, the 47th ACJM Court ordered YES Bank to return the frozen funds to Preeti’s account. Acting on the court order, the entire Rs 14 lakh was restored to the complainant, police confirmed, according to PTI.
Deputy Commissioner of Police of West Division, Girish S, addressed the media stating that a police team is actively working to trace and apprehend the accused. He appealed to the public not to panic if they fall victim to such scams.
“If a complaint is immediately lodged (within the Golden Hour) with the National Cyber Helpline at 1930, and a case is registered at the nearest police station without delay, prompt action can be taken to prevent losses,” Girish advised, as reported by the news agency.
Stay vigilant and report suspicious calls immediately to protect yourself from such cybercrime scams.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/digital-arrest-scam-bjp-mp-k-sudhakars-wife-loses-rs-14-lakh-money-recovered-23595423
