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Elderly individual swindled out of 21 lakh rupees by digital imprisonment swindle: A breakdown of the incident

Cybercriminals swindle Navi Mumbai woman of 21 lakh rupees through a "digital arrest" scam, using false identities of a senior police officer and fabricated warrants.

An older woman suffered a financial loss of 21 lakh Rupees due to a digital lockup swindle. Here's...
An older woman suffered a financial loss of 21 lakh Rupees due to a digital lockup swindle. Here's the chronology of events.

Elderly individual swindled out of 21 lakh rupees by digital imprisonment swindle: A breakdown of the incident

In a chilling incident that occurred in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, a 70-year-old resident fell prey to a digital arrest scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 21 lakh. The scam, which started with an unexpected video call on August 5, has raised concerns about cyber deception and the need for vigilance.

The incident unfolded when the victim received a video call from an individual claiming to be Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil, a senior police officer in Maharashtra. The impersonator alleged that the victim had misused her Aadhaar card for terror-funding and issued a non-bailable arrest warrant.

However, the impersonator's claim should have raised suspicion. In reality, Commissioner Patil holds the rank of Additional DGP (Anti-Corruption Bureau) instead of Police Commissioner. The real Commissioner Patil serves as Additional Director General of Police (Anti-Corruption Bureau) in Maharashtra.

Realizing she had been tricked, the victim filed a complaint at the Koparkhairane police station on Tuesday. An FIR has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to cheating, and a criminal investigation is underway.

The scam is referred to as a "digital arrest" scam, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing menace of such cyber deception. Authorities are using this detail to warn the public about the risks involved and the importance of verifying callers' claims and remaining alert.

Himani Jha, a tech news writer at a leading platform, has been following the developments closely. With a passion for smartphones and consumer technology, Himani has been contributing to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, Himani enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants.

As this incident underscores, everyone must stay vigilant in the digital age. Police officers are urging citizens to be cautious and verify any suspicious calls or messages before taking any action. Let's work together to combat cybercrime and ensure a safer digital future for all.

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