How Did a B'luru Woman Techie Fall Victim to Cybercriminals and Lose Rs 31.83 Crore?
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Synopsis
A harrowing tale from Bengaluru reveals how a 57-year-old tech professional lost a staggering Rs 31.83 crore to cybercriminals. After being under digital arrest for over six months, her story highlights the alarming rise of cyber fraud in India and the dire need for vigilance against such scams.
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime is on the rise.
- Victims can be manipulated into silence.
- Awareness is key to prevention.
- Report suspicious activities promptly.
- Seek legal advice if in doubt.
Bengaluru, Nov 17 (NationPress) A disturbing case has emerged involving a 57-year-old female tech professional who fell victim to cybercriminals, losing an astounding Rs 31.83 crore after being ensnared in a digital arrest for over six months.
Authorities have initiated a search to dismantle the criminal group following a report filed at the East Cyber Crime Police Station in Bengaluru, as stated by police officials on Monday.
The victim completed 187 transactions, transferring a total of Rs 31.83 crore and depleting her entire savings, save for her fixed deposits. The perpetrators had promised her a refund by February after a verification process, but continually delayed the timeline with various excuses. Police sources indicate that this incident is among the largest cases of digital arrest reported in Karnataka.
Growing increasingly suspicious, the victim approached the cybercrime police on November 14. She noted that her son's wedding and other commitments had caused her to delay filing the complaint.
According to law enforcement, the cybercriminals kept the victim under digital confinement for more than six months before severing all communication after extracting a significant sum of money.
Her nightmare began on September 15, 2024, when she received a call from an individual alleging to be from a reputable courier service. He claimed that a package addressed to her contained three credit cards, four passports, and illegal MDMA, which had been delivered to a courier facility in Andheri, Mumbai.
The victim informed the caller that she resided in Bengaluru and had no knowledge of the package. The caller claimed it could be a case of cyber fraud linked to her mobile number and urged her to file a report. Before she could respond, he transferred her call to another person who introduced himself as an officer from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
To prevent her from contacting the police or seeking legal help, the criminals convinced her that they were monitoring her actions. They subsequently issued threats, warning that if she shared any information, her family would be implicated.
As her son’s wedding date approached, she succumbed to their pressure and followed their instructions. Later, one of the criminals, who identified himself as Pradeep Singh, contacted her via Skype video, stating that another associate named Rahul Yadav would watch over her for a week. During this time, she was effectively confined to her home, as the assailants opted to work remotely from her residence.
On September 23, 2024, the criminals instructed her to declare her assets to the Reserve Bank of India's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). After declaring her financial holdings and cash, they extorted money from her in multiple phases, even providing her with a fraudulent clearance certificate.
Ongoing investigations are in progress.
Point of View
It is vital to highlight the increasing sophistication of cybercrime and the urgent need for public awareness. This case serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in the digital age. We stand committed to ensuring that our readers are informed and equipped to protect themselves against such malicious acts.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is digital arrest?
Digital arrest refers to a situation where cybercriminals manipulate victims into believing they are under investigation, restricting their ability to seek help.
How can I protect myself from cyber fraud?
Stay informed about common scams, verify calls from unknown numbers, and never share personal information without confirming the source.
What should I do if I suspect I'm a victim of cybercrime?
Immediately contact your local cybercrime unit or law enforcement agency to report the incident.
