Another digital arrest scam have been reported in Noida, where is a family fell victim to lose Rs 1.10 Crore in days. Fraudsters posed as law enforcing officials and held them under “digital arrest” for five days. This incident came to light after the victim, Chandrabhan Paliwal, a resident of Noida’s Sector 19, approached the police with a complaint. The case highlights a growing trend of cybercriminals posing as law enforcement team and intermidating people to steal crores of rupees.
What Exactly Happened?
All the incident began with a phone call on February 1 from and unknown number, where the caller where the caller warned him that his SIM card would be blocked unless he contacted the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Shortly after the call, he received another call claiming that Paliwal’s name was linked to 24 cybercrime cases and a money laundering investigation by the Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch. He then forwarded the call to a video call, where an individual posing as a judge connected with him, refused him bail, and ordered him to transfer Rs 1.10 crore within three days. Fearing the consequences, Paliwal transferred the money in multiple transactions. The scammers primarily communicated via WhatsApp, using different numbers to sustain their deception.
Police Version
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Preeti Yadav confirmed that the scammers used psychological pressure to convince Paliwal and his family that they were under government scrutiny. They further claimed that his Aadhaar details had been forwarded to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for verification. Paliwal’s wife and daughter were also targeted through video calls and threats of arrest.
Stay Safe From Digital Scam
Authorities are raising alarms about a growing cyber threat where scammers impersonate officials from agencies like the CBI or customs. These fraudsters fabricate legal charges to intimidate victims into making payments. However, it’s important to note that real government officials never demand money over calls or video chats.
In recent months, digital scams have become a serious concern in India, with several people losing vast sums—ranging from lakhs to crores. Typically, individuals are targeted and subjected to what’s known as “digital arrest.” However, in a shocking new case, an entire family from Noida fell prey to this ruthless scam, losing approximately ₹1.10 crore. For five days, cybercriminals posing as top law enforcement officials manipulated and held them hostage—virtually.
Never Share Personal Or Financial Details With Unknown Callers
Always verify claims through official sources before taking any action.
Stay calm and don’t panic in response to threats—scammers rely on fear to manipulate victims.
If you suspect fraud, report it immediately by calling the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930
Keep records of all interactions as evidence
