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A chilling case of cyber fraud has surfaced from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where a senior citizen couple was allegedly cheated out of ₹2.86 crore by a highly organised group of scammers posing as officials from central investigative agencies and legal professionals. The incident has once again exposed the alarming sophistication of modern cybercrime and the growing vulnerability of elderly citizens.
According to information available so far, the fraudsters contacted the couple over phone and video calls, introducing themselves as senior officers from the CBI along with lawyers handling a serious legal case. The callers claimed that the couple’s identity had been linked to illegal financial transactions and warned them of immediate arrest if they failed to cooperate. To intensify the fear, the scammers allegedly staged fake online proceedings, complete with official-sounding language and threats of legal consequences.
The couple was reportedly kept under what cyber experts now describe as a “digital arrest,” where victims are psychologically pressured, isolated, and constantly monitored through calls. The fraudsters instructed them not to share the matter with anyone, creating panic and confusion. Over several days, the couple was convinced to transfer large sums of money to multiple bank accounts under the pretext of verification, clearance, and legal settlement.
By the time the victims realised something was wrong, nearly ₹2.86 crore had already been siphoned off. A complaint was subsequently lodged, and cybercrime authorities have launched an investigation to trace the money trail and identify the perpetrators, who are believed to be part of an interstate or even international fraud network.
Officials have reiterated that no government agency, including the CBI or police, conducts arrests, inquiries, or financial verifications over phone or video calls. They have urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain alert and immediately report such calls instead of acting under fear.
This Ghaziabad case is not an isolated incident. Across the country, cybercriminals are increasingly using fear-based tactics, fake identities, and digital tools to exploit unsuspecting individuals. The incident serves as a stark reminder that cyber fraud is evolving rapidly, and awareness remains the strongest line of defence. As investigations continue, authorities are calling for greater public awareness, faster reporting of suspicious calls, and stronger digital literacy to prevent such devastating financial losses in the future.
