Udupi Elderly Man Falls Victim to ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam, Loses Rs 9.29 Lakh

When 78‑year‑old Ramesh Shetty (name changed for privacy) answered a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, he never imagined it would end with his bank account nearly emptied. The caller warned him that a fake raid was about to take place at his home and demanded an “emergency” payment of Rs 9.29 lakh to secure his safety.

Shetty, like many seniors, was unnerved by the threatening tone and the urgency conveyed. “They said my family could be arrested if I didn’t pay instantly,” he recalled, pausing to shake his head. He transferred the money through a popular digital payment app, trusting the supposed authority of the voice on the other end.

Within a day, the reality sank in – the police never visited, and the money had vanished. He realized he had been caught in a “digital arrest” scam, a newer variant of phishing where fraudsters pose as law‑enforcement officials to intimidate victims into swift payments.

The Udupi City Police, alerted by Shetty’s family, opened an investigation. Officers explained that the scheme typically involves a fabricated scenario – a raid, a court order, or an alleged fine – and then pushes victims to transfer money to a “safe” account, which is, of course, controlled by the criminals.

Detective Prakash Rao, who is handling the case, said, “We have seen a surge in such calls across Karnataka. The scammers use spoofed numbers, realistic background noises, and sometimes even fake identification numbers to appear legitimate.” He added that the police are tracking the transaction trail, but recovery of the full amount remains uncertain.

Experts advise seniors and their relatives to stay calm, verify any police request through official channels, and never share OTPs or bank details over the phone. A quick call to the local police station or a visit in person can confirm whether an arrest notice is genuine.

While Shetty’s experience is a stark reminder that technology can be both a help and a hazard, it also underscores the importance of community awareness. Neighbours, family members, and local NGOs are now organizing small workshops in Udupi to teach older adults how to spot these fraudulent calls.

If you or someone you know receives a similar threat, remember: genuine authorities never demand money upfront, and they will never ask for your OTP or bank password on a call.