This case involves a senior citizen who narrowly escaped transferring ₹35 lakh to cybercriminals impersonating RBI and CBI officials. With the rise of digital arrest scams, it is crucial to understand how to protect yourself from fraud and the importance of legal support in navigating these situations.
We helped this senior citizen avoid a life-altering financial scam, where fraudsters nearly convinced him to transfer his life savings. This case underscores the vital role of legal assistance in addressing the complexities of digital arrest scams. As cybercrime evolves, awareness and proactive measures are essential.
What is Digital Arrest Scam?
Digital arrest refers to a sophisticated scam where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement or regulatory officials to coerce individuals into transferring money, often using threats of arrest or legal consequences. A recent case illustrates this alarming trend: a 67-year-old senior citizen almost lost ₹35 lakh due to fraudsters posing as representatives from the RBI, CBI, and local police.
Here’s how we successfully stepped in and guided him through this critical situation.
The Case: A Top Secret Cybercrime Scheme
On 10th September 2024, a 67-year-old senior citizen received an alarming notice on WhatsApp from individuals pretending to be officials from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and local Police. These fraudsters claimed that the client was involved in a fake money laundering case and that a non-bailable arrest warrant had been issued in his name. To escape arrest, they demanded that he transfer all his funds into a so-called “RBI account” for inspection.
The scammers employed an elaborate scheme, telling him that he was part of a “Top Secret” operation aimed at catching high-level criminals. To make the ruse more convincing, they instructed him to keep the matter confidential and refrain from contacting any lawyer, threatening that he would be arrested if he did so.
They told him that his WhatsApp and mobile were under surveillance and that they would know immediately if he tried to speak or chat with anyone via call or message.
Naresh Goyal Money Laundering Case Connection – How the Scam Unfolded
The scammers called the senior citizen on WhatsApp and informed him that someone had stolen his Aadhaar card, purchased a SIM in his name, opened a bank account in his name using his Aadhaar and SIM card, and conducted money laundering activities through that account involving an amount of 1,000 crores, for his involment with Naresh Goyal Money laundering case which is the national secret case.
They also told him that a mobile number issued in his name had sent a large number of advertisement and harassing text messages to the public, and that an FIR had been registered with a directive from the Mumbai Police to deactivate all his numbers within two hours. Since that number was switched off, they contacted him on his alternate number, which is also registered under the same Aadhaar card. He was advised to obtain a clarification letter from the Andheri Police Station in Mumbai to avoid the disconnection of all his active mobile numbers.
They sent him a letter impersonating the RBI, making it look like it was issued by the RBI Governor, Mr. Shaktikanta Das, which includs the following information:
Shri Shaktikanta Das
Governer
Reserve Bank of India
Mumbai
Mr. …….
AADHAR ID:………This is official letter to inform you that you are involved in the Naresh Goyal Money laundering case which is the national secret case and court have found there are 17 complaints against you also Supreme court have officially released two warrants against you one is your arrest warrant and second is for freeze all your assets until your case is clear and you will be in prison until your case is come to investigate line and currently your file is on 16th number till that you will be in police custody,
There is also second option which you can apply by yourself if you are really innocent and you have trusted all your assets are legal and white money for that you must submit all your funds to the court and the court will inspect all your assets and it will take 6 hours to 24 hours for investigation. And if you are not ready for it you will be arrested in next 1 hour and you will be in jail for 3 months and all your assets will be frozen till you get the NOC from court.
PN Prasad, Member
Vishakha Mulye, Member
Rohit Prasad, Member
Abizer Diwanji, Member
R Anand, MemberYou may see Fake RBI Arrest Warrent Letter by clicking here
They also sent him a letter impersonating Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), making it look like it was issued by the the Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, which includs the following information:
From,
The Secretary,
Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications,
Sanchar Bhawan, Ashoka Road,
New Delhi-110001.Subject: Actions Carried out for Unlawful purposes
This Letter is to inform you that your mobile number has sent a large number of advertisement and harassing text messages to the public, and we have received a report FIR Number (MH-1045/ 0824) from Mumbai Police to deactivate all your number within two hours,
1. Mumbai Police send us a mail of your Illegal activities from your Number Registered on 30-July-2024 at No-10, Krushal Tower, Ghatkopar, Mahul Road, Chembur West, Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra Pin Code- 400089 Maharasthra Under Your Aadhaar Name by sending many messages to Peoples and Abusing Them Harassing them and that number is also switched off so we are trying to contact you on this alternate number which also registered under the same Aadhaar card.
2. We want to inform you to take a clarification letter from Andheri Police Station Mumbai, to avoid from the disconnections of all your active mobile numbers.
3. You have to Send us the Clarification Letter from Andheri Police Station Mumbai to keep Active all your mobile numbers.vernment of India
V. Raya Nande
V.Ragh Secretary
Email: secretary@trai.gov.inYou may see Fake TRAI Letter by clicking here
The fraudsters exerted intense pressure on him, warning him that if he didn’t transfer his Rs. 35 lakh savings, including his fixed deposits, into a “RBI account,” he would face arrest and imprisonment for a minimum of three months.
They used multiple phone numbers, including 6003350734 and 180020003831, and sent repeated messages on WhatsApp, all while asking him to liquidate his assets. They even went so far as to video call him, asking him to close all doors and show a 360-degree view of his room to ensure he was alone, claiming that this was a highly secretive mission.
He had broken all his FDs to gather the entire amount before transferring it in three installments. He was instructed to transfer the first installment in the morning at 10 AM. The fraudsters created a sense of urgency, pushing him to make hasty decisions to transfer all his hard-earned savings by instilling fear of arrest.
Our Intervention – Exposing Scam and Counselling the Senior Citizen
Fortunately, he was saved from falling into this scam. Before transferring the money, he decided to Google the lawyer and contacted us by sending an email in the early morning. We were able to contact him in time, but when he answered the call, he was hesitant to speak. He informed us that his calls were being recorded, as his number was under surveillance by the CBI and the Police.
We stepped in immediately and provided counsel to the senior citizen:
- Immediate Verification: After hearing the story, we immediately identified this as a classic cybercrime, and reassured him that no government agency, including the RBI or CBI, would demand the transfer of funds for inspection or threaten arrest for non-compliance.
- Guidance on Next Steps: We advised him to cease all communication with the fraudsters and refrain from transferring any money. We also guided him to collect all communications from the scammers, including phone numbers, WhatsApp messages, and any documents they had sent, to provide evidence for a formal complaint.
- Filing the Complaint: We helped him file an official cybercrime complaint with the local authorities, including the cybercrime cell. This ensured that the matter was investigated thoroughly, and it also served to protect the client from further harassment or threats.
- Preventive Legal Measures: To ensure the financial safety, we assisted him in securing his financial accounts, notifying his banks and other financial institutions of the attempted fraud.
Thankfully, the senor citize avoided a devastating loss of Rs. 35 lakhs, which would have otherwise been stolen by these fraudsters. The entire ordeal serves as a reminder of how essential it is to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent official institutions, especially when they are requesting financial transfers.
Our approach in this case highlighted not only the importance of legal advice in moments of crisis but also the necessity of acting fast when it comes to cybercrime.
The Increasing Threat of Cybercrime – Digital Arrest Scam
As digital communication grows, so do the risks of falling victim to cybercrime schemes, especially those involving impersonation of officials from reputed institutions like the RBI, CBI, or the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These scams are designed to create panic, using fear and urgency to manipulate their victims.
Fraudsters target vulnerable individuals, but with the right legal guidance, these schemes can be exposed, and victims can be protected from financial ruin.
How Scammers Use Fake RBI, CBI and ED Documents to Intimidate Victims
Scammers are using fake arrest warrants and official documents from agencies like TRAI, RBI, and CBI to intimidate victims into paying money. These fraudulent notices falsely accuse individuals of crimes such as someone using their Aadhaar card to obtain a SIM card, open a bank account, send advertisements and harassing text messages, and engage in money laundering, linking them to a high-profile money laundering case.
The fabricated documents resemble legitimate notices, threatening victims with arrest under laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). For instance, one fake document claims that the person is under investigation and demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.
The scammers create a sense of urgency by stating that bank transactions will be judged within minutes and referencing legal provisions to appear credible. They often impose tight deadlines for compliance, pressuring victims to act quickly without verifying the documents’ legitimacy.
How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals
Whether you’re dealing with threats from cybercriminals or navigating the legal aspects of online fraud, protecting yourself requires vigilance and proactive measures. Implementing the following effective strategies can significantly reduce your risk of cybercrime:
- Avoid falling victim to online fraud
- Seek immediate legal advice on handling cybercrime
- Filing formal complaints with the appropriate authorities
- Liaising with financial institutions to protect your assets
By verifying the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information or funds, seeking immediate legal advice, and filing complaints with authorities, individuals can safeguard themselves against these dangerous schemes.
Conclusion
This case shows the importance of legal intervention in preventing cyber fraud. If you suspect that you or someone you know is being targeted by scammers, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Cybercriminals continually evolve their tactics, but by adopting best practices, you can safeguard yourself from falling easy prey to cyber scams. Remember, cybersecurity is about cultivating awareness and caution in your online activities. Stay safe!
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