Kolkata: The Beleghata Police has launched an investigation into an organised digital arrest scam after a 75-year-old resident of Beleghata was defrauded of nearly Rs 4.2 lakh by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officials.
The probe was launched after the registration of an e-Zero FIR through the central cyber reporting portal, which was subsequently transferred to the local police station on Sept 22.
The scam took place on the afternoon of Sept 20, when the suspect contacted the elderly resident and used intimidation tactics and deceptive claims to place him under intense psychological fear, according to the complaint. In all, Rs 4,19,500 was siphoned from five bank accounts using a digital payment gateway. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in Kolkata Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news.
So, when scammers display forged documents bearing official seals or a national emblem over video calls, the victims’ immediate reaction is compliance rooted in fear, rather than skepticism,” an officer said. The cybercriminals induced the victim to make multiple instant money transfers. “Older adults often possess a deep-seated respect for govt institutions. Download the TOI App.