Mangaluru: Retired Woman Duped of ₹3.09 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Mangaluru: Retired Woman Duped of ₹3.09 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 10, 2025: An elderly retired woman in Mangaluru has allegedly lost over ₹3.09 crore to cyber fraudsters in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam.

According to a complaint lodged at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station, the victim, identified as Leni Prabhu, received a missed call from an unknown number on January 15, 2025. When she returned the call, a woman claiming to represent the General Post Office informed her that a parcel she had “sent” to China had been intercepted and returned, containing 150 grams of MDMA.

The caller allegedly warned that the offence carried a prison sentence of over 75 years and insisted that the parcel had been sent in her name using her ID. Despite the victim’s denial, the fraudster reportedly coaxed her into sharing personal details, claiming she could help secure a no-objection certificate — but only if the victim remitted 93% of her pension.

Under pressure and fearing legal repercussions, the woman allegedly travelled to Mangaluru and transferred ₹55 lakh via RTGS to bank accounts provided by the scammers. Police said the accused instructed her not to disclose the matter to anyone, keeping her in fear and silence.

Between January 17 and July 4, the victim reportedly transferred a total of ₹3,09,75,000 in multiple instalments. The scam came to light when the fraudsters stopped responding to her messages.

Police confirmed that unknown persons carried out the fraud using the “digital arrest” method, a cybercrime tactic where victims are threatened with false legal charges to extort money. A case has been registered, and investigations are underway.