Surat: A 72-year-old retired Nanpura resident lost Rs 41 lakh in a digital arrest scam after cyberfraudsters posing as law enforcement and regulatory officials convinced him that he was under investigation and induced him to transfer money over nearly a month.According to an FIR registered at the Cyber Crime police station on Thursday, the fraud took place between Sep 4 and Oct 1.Prakashchandra Kapadia, a retired resident of Nanpura, told police that unidentified cybercriminals contacted him through phone calls and WhatsApp.The callers claimed that his identity and financial transactions were linked to a criminal investigation. They threatened him with legal consequences and told him that his bank accounts and financial dealings were under scrutiny.Police said the fraudsters used multiple mobile numbers and WhatsApp calls to maintain contact with Kapadia. They allegedly impersonated officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mumbai police and other agencies to make their claims appear genuine.Investigators said the accused persuaded Kapadia to transfer money to several bank accounts. The FIR lists accounts in multiple banks, including IndusInd Bank and Utkarsh Bank.Kapadia said he was made to believe the transfers were required as part of a “verification process”.The accused continued to contact him over several days, issuing instructions and assurances regarding the purported investigation. Kapadia realised he had been cheated when the promised “return of his funds after verification” did not materialise.According to the FIR, the total amount transferred was Rs 41 lakh.Cyber Crime police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the mobile numbers, WhatsApp communications, beneficiary bank accounts and fund transfers. Investigators are also examining suspected mule accounts allegedly used to receive and move the money.
