Kolkata: A trader from Metiabruz reportedly lost Rs 5.5 lakh in a digital arrest fraud in which scammers allegedly posed as law enforcement officials and kept him under pressure and surveillance for nearly a month, police said.
According to the complaint, the incident began on Jan 12, around 3.25 pm, when the victim received a WhatsApp video call from an unknown number. The caller's display picture showed ‘Delhi Police', and the caller allegedly introduced himself as an officer from a central agency. The caller told the trader that a bank account was opened using his Aadhaar credentials and that the account was being used for money laundering around Rs 6 crore.
The caller further claimed that a case was registered against the trader for serious offences, including money laundering and human trafficking, and warned that he could be arrested. The complainant stated that he was told not to disclose the matter to anyone, and was repeatedly contacted over WhatsApp between Jan 12 and Feb 10.
During the period, the victim was allegedly asked to share banking and financial details. He was even asked to shift from home and put up at a hotel to avoid conversations with family members. On Feb 2, he was instructed to transfer Rs 5.5 lakh through RTGS to a bank account provided by the caller. After the transfer was made, the caller stopped responding, and the victim realised he was cheated.
The trader later approached the cops and reported the matter to the cyber crime unit. Relevant documents and transaction details were submitted along with the complaint, police said.