Dr. Puja Goyal, a Noida-based doctor, fell victim to a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam, losing ₹ 59 lakh. On July 13, Dr. Goyal, a resident of Noida Sector 77, received a call from an individual claiming to be an official from the Telephone Regulatory Authority of India. The caller accused her of using her phone to circulate pornographic videos.
The Deception
Despite Dr. Goyal’s denial, the scammer coerced her into joining a video call. She was threatened with severe consequences and informed that she was under ‘digital arrest’. After 48 hours of intimidation and grilling, Dr. Goyal transferred ₹ 59.54 lakh to an account specified by the scammer. Realizing she had been duped, she filed a complaint on July 22 at the cybercrime cell in Noida Sector 36.
Police Response
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime), Vivek Ranjan Rai, stated that they have the account details to which Dr. Goyal transferred the money and are verifying them. He assured that appropriate action would be taken.
Rise of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
‘Digital arrest’ scams are increasingly being used in Delhi NCR to deceive people. Scammers confine their targets, often posing as law enforcement officials with fake IDs. They convince victims they are genuine officers and exploit their fear. In a similar case, a 72-year-old woman from Delhi’s Chittaranjan Park area was scammed out of ₹ 83 lakh after being accused of using her phone for criminal activities and subjected to over 12 hours of interrogation.
Police Advisory
In response to the rise in such incidents, Noida police issued an advisory to alert citizens. “In recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations,” the advisory noted.
The police emphasized the importance of verifying suspicious calls, especially those made via WhatsApp or video calls. They recommended checking the caller’s credentials through official channels. The advisory urged citizens to report any suspicious calls claiming legal action or requesting personal or financial information to the nearest police station or cyber cell immediately.
The case of Dr. Puja Goyal highlights the growing menace of ‘digital arrest’ scams. It underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent such fraudulent activities. The police continue to investigate and take action against these sophisticated scams, aiming to protect the public from falling prey to such deceitful tactics.
(With inputs from agencies)
