A retired FCI official and his wife in Lucknow were defrauded of ₹42.09 lakh after cyber criminals posed as security officers and threatened to implicate them in the Pulwama terror attack case.

  • Retired FCI employee and wife lost ₹42.09 lakh in a sophisticated scam.
  • Fraudsters impersonated ATS, NIA, and CBI officials.
  • Victims were kept under 'digital arrest' via WhatsApp for 18 days.
  • Terrorism allegations were used to create psychological pressure.

In a harrowing incident of cyber fraud, a 70-year-old retired Food Corporation of India (FCI) employee, Ansar Jamal Abbasi, and his wife were allegedly cheated of ₹42.09 lakh in Lucknow. The scammers employed a terrifying tactic known as 'digital arrest,' leveraging the fear of national security laws to extort a massive sum from the elderly couple.

The nightmare began on July 23, when Abbasi received a WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be a high-ranking officer. The caller alleged that terrorists arrested in connection with the 2019 Pulwama attack had named a person called Manish Goyal, and that a SIM card, ICICI Bank ATM card, and bank statements registered in Abbasi's name were discovered during the investigation.

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The Mechanics of 'Digital Arrest'

To ensure the victims did not seek help, the fraudsters convinced the couple that due to their age and the wife's disability, they would not be physically arrested but would instead be placed under 'house arrest.' They were forced to remain on a WhatsApp video call 24 hours a day for 18 consecutive days. Any attempt to inform relatives was met with threats of seven years of imprisonment.

"The 'digital arrest' phenomenon is a psychological trap designed to isolate the victim from their support system, making them vulnerable to extortion."

The scammers went to extreme lengths to maintain the facade, arranging subsequent video calls with individuals posing as a Pune Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer, a CBI official, and even a High Court judge. This calculated theatrical performance convinced the terrified couple to hand over their bank details, fixed deposits, and jewellery information.

BozokMedia Analysis: The Evolution of Cyber Extortion

BozokMedia analysis shows that cybercriminals are shifting from simple phishing links to complex 'social engineering' schemes. By invoking the Pulwama attack—a deeply emotive and sensitive national event—the perpetrators ensured that the victims were too intimidated to question the legality of the process. This highlights a critical gap in digital literacy among senior citizens, who are often targeted due to their trust in authority and fear of legal complications.

Over the course of 18 days, the couple was coerced into making six separate RTGS transactions, totaling ₹42,09,869. The fraud only came to light when Abbasi realized the impossibility of the situation and approached the Cyber Crime Police Station. Inspector Alok Rao confirmed that a case has been registered and the transaction chain is under investigation.

Did You Know?: No legal agency in India, including the CBI or NIA, ever conducts arrests or investigations via WhatsApp video calls or asks for money to 'clear' a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a 'Digital Arrest' scam?
It is a fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement officers and force victims to stay on video calls, claiming they are under arrest, to extort money.

Q2: How can I report a cyber crime in India?
You can report cyber fraud immediately by calling the national helpline 1930 or visiting the official portal at cybercrime.gov.in.