UP Cyber Fraud: Retired Man Held Under ‘Digital Arrest’ for 25 Days, ₹90 Lakh Lost

A deeply unsettling case of cyber fraud has emerged from Uttar Pradesh, highlighting how fear and prolonged psychological pressure are being weaponised against senior citizens. In Lucknow, cyber criminals extorted nearly ₹90 lakh from a retired government officer by keeping him under what they falsely described as a “digital arrest” for almost 25 days.

The victim, Amar Jeet Singh, a retired finance department officer living in LDA Colony on Kanpur Road, was contacted on December 1 through a WhatsApp call. The caller claimed to be an officer from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Cell and accused Singh of being linked to a money-laundering case. To make the threat appear real, forged notices and fake arrest warrants were sent digitally.

Over the following weeks, Singh was instructed to remain constantly available on phone and video calls. He was warned that speaking to family members or disconnecting would result in immediate arrest and legal action against his relatives. Under this sustained fear, the elderly man was coerced into transferring money from his bank accounts and liquidating mutual fund investments.

Believing he was cooperating with authorities, Singh transferred ₹90 lakh in multiple transactions to accounts provided by the fraudsters, allegedly for “government verification”.

The fraud came to light only on December 25, when Singh’s son noticed unusual behaviour and persistent calls. After counselling his father, the family immediately contacted the cyber crime helpline and filed a police complaint. Swift action by authorities led to the freezing of ₹15 lakh, while efforts continue to trace the remaining amount.

Cyber crime officials have confirmed that investigations are underway and arrests are likely. They reiterated that no Indian law enforcement agency conducts arrests or financial verification over phone or video calls.

Experts warn that “digital arrest” scams represent a dangerous evolution of cyber crime. Instead of greed, fraudsters now rely on authority, fear and isolation. Former IPS officer Triveni Singh described it as “psychological captivity”, where victims are mentally imprisoned rather than physically detained.

Senior citizens, especially retired professionals with savings, are increasingly targeted due to limited familiarity with modern cyber fraud tactics. Experts note that just as organisations rely on structured financial oversight like bookkeeping services in india to detect irregularities early, individuals-particularly elders-need clear safeguards, family communication and digital awareness to protect their finances.

The Future Crime Research Foundation has emphasised that there is no legal concept called “digital arrest” and urged families to encourage open communication. Early reporting, experts say, remains the strongest factor in recovering stolen funds.

As cyber criminals refine their psychological tactics, authorities stress that awareness, verification and immediate reporting are the only effective defences against such silent but devastating crimes.