With the rise of cybercrimes, online frauds have evolved into sophisticated traps where criminals exploit fear and technology. One such method, known as “digital arrest”, involves scammers impersonating officials or law enforcers to intimidate victims into paying money under false pretenses. These crimes are becoming increasingly common, targeting people’s trust and vulnerability in the digital age.
In one recent case, a 32 years old man from Delhi’s Karol Bagh was cheated of Rs 10 lakh by fraudsters posing as officers from the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS). The incident, which took place in August and was later reported in October, has left police working to trace the culprits behind the elaborate deception.
The victim received several calls from unknown numbers claiming his name had appeared in t*rror-linked financial transactions related to the 2019 Pulwama att@ck. The callers said that Rs 50 lakh had been credited to a bank account opened in his name in Kashmir and warned him not to disclose the matter, suggesting that influential people were involved.
Soon, the scammers coerced him into a video call, where they appeared in fake police uniforms with ATS insignia in the background. They ordered him to lock his room, keep his camera on and stay silent about the interrogation. During the call, they collected his personal and banking details and introduced another person posing as the ATS chief.
This so-called officer threatened him with arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act if he failed to transfer money to a “Reserve Bank–approved” account. To add credibility, they sent a forged RBI letter. Terrified, the man transferred Rs 8.9 lakh from his bank account and the remaining amount through Paytm.
When the scammers later demanded another Rs 4 lakh for his “bail”, he refused and the calls abruptly stopped. Realising that he had been deceived, the victim filed a complaint through the cybercrime portal, which was later forwarded to the Karol Bagh police station. Delhi Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the case to identify those behind the fake ATS operation.
Be cautious of such fake calls!
