Doctor Loses 1.30 Crore in Virtual Arrest Scam; Cyber Police Recover 1.06 Crore

Kochi: Fraudsters posing as CBI officers duped an 81-year-old doctor in Ernakulam of 1.30 crore rupees through a virtual arrest scam. Following an investigation by the police cyber cell, 1.06 crore rupees have been recovered.

The doctor, who lives in Kochi, fell victim to the scam starting November 1. The caller said that criminal offences had been committed using the doctor’s mobile number and that FIRs were registered in these cases. Posing as a CBI officer, the fraudster conducted a video call and convinced the doctor that he was under “virtual arrest” for 48 hours.

The doctor was instructed to send 1.30 crore rupees to trace the source of the alleged offences. Following the instructions, he transferred the amount via RTGS on November 4. He was also threatened that if he revealed the information, his photos and personal details would be circulated on social media.

The case has been registered by the Ernakulam Cyber Crime Police against Devilal Singh, Pranav Dayal, and a third unidentified person.

Golden Hour Key to Recovery

Police officials say the first hour after a scam, called the “golden hour,” is critical to recover the victim’s money. While awareness campaigns are ongoing, complaints often reach authorities late. Victims are advised to immediately contact the Cyber Police via 1930 or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in

Most cyber fraud cases in Kerala target senior citizens. So far this year, the cyber police have successfully recovered over 250 crore rupees lost in such scams.