**Title:** 76-Year-Old Woman Duped of ₹44 Lakh in Cybercrime Scam
**Meta Description:** A 76-year-old woman was scammed of ₹44 lakh by cybercriminals posing as police, keeping her under “digital arrest” for 23 days.
**URL Slug:** 76-year-old-woman-cybercrime-scam
**Headline:** 76-Year-Old Woman Falls Victim to ₹44 Lakh Cybercrime Scheme
In a shocking incident, Noida police have initiated an investigation after a 76-year-old woman, Sarla Devi, was reportedly defrauded of ₹44 lakh by cybercriminals who held her in a so-called “digital arrest” for 23 days. The incident began on July 18 when Sarla Devi, a resident of Sector 41, received a call from a woman impersonating an Airtel tele-caller named Neha. The caller informed her that her mobile number was being misused for gambling and blackmail in Mumbai’s Byculla area, necessitating police clearance.
Shortly after, a man, posing as a senior officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch, contacted her via video call, dressed in uniform. He claimed that four bank accounts had been opened in her name, allegedly linked to serious crimes such as drug trafficking, hawala transactions, online gambling, and even financing terrorists involved in a recent attack in Pahalgam. The caller further intimidated her by stating that an arrest warrant had been issued against her.
Fearing legal repercussions, Sarla Devi complied with their demands and was effectively held under “digital arrest” from July 20 to August 13. During this period, the fraudsters coerced her into making multiple online transfers, ultimately siphoning off ₹44 lakh from her accounts. They also pressured her to take out loans and transfer additional funds. The gang, believed to be operating from Cambodia, maintained constant surveillance over her through video calls. They severed contact after successfully transferring the money in eight installments.
Following her complaint, an FIR has been filed at Noida’s Sector 24 police station under relevant sections of cheating and cybercrime. Investigators are currently tracing the accounts involved in the transactions. Authorities have noted that this case exemplifies organized “digital arrest” scams, where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials to intimidate victims into depleting their savings.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious call claiming to be from law enforcement?**
A: If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal information. Hang up and verify the caller’s identity by contacting the official police department directly.
