New Delhi: A major cyber fraud attempt targeting a 72-year-old woman was successfully foiled by the swift response of Delhi Police’s Cyber Helpline team, officials from the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit, and the Cyber Police Station of Rohini district.
According to Delhi Police, the victim, a 72-year-old woman living alone at her residence, received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller falsely introduced himself as an officer from an investigative agency and claimed that her name had surfaced in a money laundering case involving ₹6 crore.
The fraudster then subjected the woman to a common cybercrime tactic known as a “Digital Arrest” scam. She was placed on a video call and was told that she was under “digital arrest” and would remain under constant surveillance until the investigation was completed.
Police said the scammers created such intense fear and psychological pressure that the elderly woman stopped communicating normally with others and became extremely distressed. During one conversation with a relative, she repeatedly mentioned only one word — “CBI” — which raised suspicion among family members.
Realising something was wrong, a vigilant relative immediately contacted the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) and alerted authorities.
Acting swiftly, Cyber Helpline operator Constable Rekha, along with teams from DCP IFSO and Rohini District Cyber Police Station, initiated an emergency response. A police team reached the woman’s residence and conducted a preliminary inquiry.
During verification, officers discovered that the woman had become the target of a sophisticated digital arrest scam. Fortunately, police intervention came before any money could be transferred to the fraudsters.
Delhi Police counselled the victim, explained the nature of the scam and reassured her that no legitimate law enforcement agency conducts investigations through video-call detentions or demands money transfers as part of any inquiry.
Officials emphasised that “Digital Arrest” is not a legally recognised procedure and is merely a tactic used by cyber criminals to intimidate victims and extort money.
Delhi Police also issued an advisory reminding citizens that:
- No police agency, CBI, ED or government department conducts investigations through video calls.
- No government agency asks citizens to transfer money to verify innocence or avoid arrest.
- Citizens should never trust such calls or messages.
- Anyone receiving suspicious calls should immediately contact the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
- Family members should remain in regular contact with elderly relatives, who are often targeted by cyber fraudsters.
Delhi Police praised the alertness of the relative, the prompt action of Cyber Helpline operator Ct. Rekha, and the coordinated efforts of the IFSO Unit and Rohini Cyber Police Station, which prevented a potentially major financial fraud.
The police reiterated that public awareness and timely reporting remain the strongest weapons against the growing threat of cybercrime and digital arrest scams.
