UP: In yet another incident of cyber fraud, a disturbing case has emerged from Shah Ganj in Agra. A woman received a WhatsApp call from a scammer posing as a government official. The fraudster claimed, “Your daughter has been caught in a sex racket. If you want to settle the matter quietly, send ₹1 lakh within 15 minutes, or we will leak a video of your daughter.”
The victim, a teacher named Malti Verma, was shocked by the call. The person on the other end introduced themselves as a police officer and falsely accused her daughter of being involved in a sex racket. They demanded ₹1 lakh to “resolve” the situation. Malti was subjected to a form of mental harassment known as ‘digital arrest,’ where scammers try to extort money by instilling fear.
In a state of panic, Malti immediately called her son, Dipanshu, asking him to transfer the money without delay. Sensing something suspicious, Dipanshu tried to calm his mother and urged her to reconsider, but by then, Malti was already too shaken by the false accusations. As a result, her health deteriorated rapidly. While being rushed to the hospital, she suffered a heart attack and tragically passed away.
What is Digital Arrest?
Digital arrest is a new form of cybercrime where fraudsters pose as officials from government agencies or law enforcement and use fear tactics to intimidate victims. The objective is to extort money by mentally torturing the victim, who is made to believe they are in legal trouble. It’s a form of psychological manipulation that can have devastating effects.
In light of such crimes, people are advised to remain vigilant. If you receive any suspicious calls or messages, immediately contact your nearest police station or dial 1930 for cybercrime support. You can also file a complaint on the official cybercrime website. Staying aware and cautious is key to preventing such frauds from claiming more victims.
