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Noida: Octogenarian loses ₹85 lakh to cyber fraud after 16-day digital arrest scam
An 84-year-old man in Noida and his wife were duped of ₹85 lakh through a 'digital arrest' scam that lasted 16 days. The victim was told via calls that his Aadhaar was misused and that a CBI case was pending, prompting funds transfers from April 7 to 22, 2026. The incident was later reported to the NCRP portal and a cybercrime case was registered.
Why It Matters
The case underscores how sophisticated cyber fraud targets seniors and exploits fear of legal action, highlighting the need for awareness and rapid reporting channels.
Timeline
4 Events
Demand for more money and filing of FIR
April 28, 2026
Suspects later demanded ₹1.24 crore more, prompting the victim to realise it was a scam. The case was reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting (NCRP) portal and a case under cheating and cheating by personation and IT Act was registered at the Cybercrime Branch police station.
Funds moved culminating in ₹85 lakh loss
April 22, 2026
From April 7 to April 22, the victim transferred ₹85 lakh in multiple transactions after breaking fixed deposits and redeeming stock investments, under the impression of an impending arrest.
Call transferred; told of pending CBI case
April 7, 2026
The call was transferred to another person who informed the complainant that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case against him for money laundering and child trafficking was pending.
Initial call claiming Cyber Cell arrest and Aadhaar misuse
April 7, 2026
The victim, a resident of Sector 51 Noida, received a call from an unidentified number claiming to be from the Cyber Cell, Bengaluru. The caller said the Aadhaar number had been misused to purchase a mobile on January 16, 2026 and that the phone was being used for nefarious activities.