Cyber Crime in Karnataka: Woman Duped by Fake Police Call

A Bengaluru resident recently experienced a shocking case of online fraud. It was where the victim lost over Rs 2 crore in a so-called ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam. This incident illustrates how complex Cyber Crime has become. It raises great concerns regarding the general public’s knowledge of online scams and Cyber Security.

What is Digital Arrest Scam?

According to local Bengaluru Police officials, the victim lived with her 10-year-old daughter in New Thippasandra, Bengaluru. The nightmare began on June 19 when she received a phone call from an alleged representative of Blue Dart courier services. The caller advised the female victim that her Aadhaar number was associated with the seizure of narcotics and illegal goods.

The female victim was warned that the Mumbai Police were also involved in the case. She could be arrested immediately. This initial phone call sparked months of financial abuse and mental manipulations. These things are becoming very common in trending news today regarding Cyber Crimes.

Mumbai Police impersonators contacted this victim after the initial call. They allegedly threatened the victim with severe penalties if she didn’t cooperate. She received instructions to download a variety of mobile applications. Also, not go outside and not give any information to anyone until the alleged investigation had concluded.

Authorities indicated that the perpetrators of this scam even used her child as a means of enhancing fear. They told her that her son, who is 10 years old, may be arrested and imprisoned. This caused her to fully comply with all of the instructions given.

Asset Sale for Cash and Lending from Financial Institutions

Between June 19 and November 27, the victim repeatedly followed the instructions given to her by the fraudsters to perform many different money transfers. To fulfill the demands made upon her by them, she sold one apartment located in Vignan Nagar for less than the current market value. She also sold two plots located in Malur for less than their market value, and acquired a bank loan.

The FIR stated that from 22 transactions completed. The amount of money transferred to the fraudsters totaled Rs.205,16,652. The largest amount transferred in one single transaction was Rs.70 lakhs. It demonstrated the comprehensive and ongoing nature of the scheme.

Discovery of the Truth at the Police Station

After withdrawing the funds requested of her by the cybercriminal, the victim was instructed by the perpetrator to go to a police station and complete a “no objection certificate” to have the investigation completed. Nevertheless,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ when she went to the Whitefield police station in person, she was able to verify that it was a fraud against her and that no investigation had been initiated.

First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Whitefield CEN Police Station on 27th November 2025. A complaint was lodged against the fraudster as per the local law and amended IT Act. According to the police, the FIR has been registered under sections 66(C) and 66(D) of the IT Act, 2000, and 319(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case is at the stage of initial probing.

The Rising Cost of Cybercrime in Karnataka

The above instance is just one aspect of a bigger picture. In the last three years, Karnataka has lost Rs 5,473.97 Crore due to 57,733 cybercrime incidences. Out of these only 11.5% of the amount lost has been recovered. On average, the state is losing Rs 6.05 Crore due to cybercrime every day. While the amount being recovered is just Rs 60 Lakh.

The statistics suggest the likelihood of money being returned is getting lower yearly. The chances of getting back some of the lost money in 2023 were one in five; by 2025, the probability is close to one in sixteen.

The Evolving Pattern of Cyber Fraud

According to the police, the nature of cybercrime changes in a very short span of time. Cases of cryptocurrency scams have been less, and the law enforcement agencies have reported that they have come across job frauds, stock market scams, and fake marriage/deception scams more in the recent past. Most of these crimes are happening for a more extended period, usually several days, weeks, or months, which makes it difficult for the resolution process as well as for detection and prevention.

The Bengaluru ‘digital arrest’ episode is a cause of concern, among many others, and it points out the essential need for absolute caution, quickness of communication, and more robust defenses against ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌cybercrime.