Digital Arrest Scam: How Cops save doctor from losing money to fraudsters

Bareilly: In a recent case of cyber fraud, a group of scammers posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers placed a Bareilly-based doctor under 'digital arrest' for hours. Fortunately, the police intervened in time and rescued the doctor, thanks to a note he left behind that ultimately saved him from losing his life savings.

Although the doctor was initially reluctant to accept help from the police, the quick thinking of the officers led to his safe rescue from the clutches of the scammers. The victim, identified as Dr Najbul Hasan, runs a private polyclinic in the area.

The incident unfolded on January 11 in a residential area under the jurisdiction of the Baradari police station when the doctor received a call from an individual claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller alleged that fraudulent transactions worth crores of rupees had been made using the doctor’s Aadhaar and bank details. Further, they warned him of a possible arrest. 

Also read- Indore doctor falls for online trading scam on Whatsapp, duped of Rs 3 crore

“There has been a fake transaction of crores of rupees from your account and the investigation is with the Delhi CBI agency. I have all your details and you will be arrested within 24 hours. Our people have reached around you. Do as much as I say. Isolate yourself completely," said one of the fraudsters as reported by News 18. 

In fear, the doctor checked into a hotel 10 kilometres away from his home. Before leaving, he left a note at his residence explaining the situation and took a camera with him. After entering the hotel's room, the scammers began pressuring him into providing personal details by connecting him via video calls. In the call, the scammers posed as police officers. 

On the other hand, his family members discovered the note and immediately contacted the police. Acting swiftly, a team led by SP City Manus Pareek tracked Dr. Hasan's location using his mobile phone. When the team reached the hotel, the doctor was on the verge of sharing his OTP (One-Time Password) to transfer funds.

However, their attempts to contact the doctor failed as he was under the influence of the scammers, and refused to open the door, fearing further trouble. This refusal stemmed from the fact that he was on a video call with an individual impersonating a police officer, who instructed him not to open the door. Furthermore, a sensor installed in the hotel room door prevented any forceful entry. 

Following this, the police officers thought of another plan to force the doctor to leave his room. The hotel staff, at the officers’ request, created a commotion outside the room, shouting “Fire! Fire!” 

Hearing the commotion, the doctor became frightened and opened the door but refused to let the officer enter. Over time, the doctor began trusting the officers and gained them permission to enter the room. The officers immediately took his phone and informed him about the fraudster's modus operandi. 

A case has been registered against the scammers and an investigation is underway. 

Also read- Ahmedabad doctor duped of Rs 4 crore after 10-day digital arrest by cybercriminals