Published on March 23, 2026
In a shocking incident, a senior citizen from Belagavi has fallen victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam, losing a staggering Rs 15 crore. The 74-year-old man reported the incident to the local police, detailing how he was lured into the trap posed as government officials.
According to police sources, the victim was initially contacted , who claimed that there were legal issues related to his identity. They informed him that he would be arrested if he did not cooperate. The terrified senior citizen was tricked into transferring large sums of money under the pretext of resolving the alleged legal complications.
The elaborate scheme involved multiple phone calls and messages, enhancing the credibility of the fraudsters who even managed to mimic official communication. The victim disclosed that he received instructions on how to transfer money through various digital payment platforms, which led him to believe he was acting on legitimate government orders.
After realizing he had been duped, the man approached the police, who have since launched an investigation into the matter. Preliminary reports suggest that the scammers were operating from outside the country, complicating the efforts to trace them.
Authorities have urged citizens, especially the elderly, to be vigilant against such scams and to verify information before taking any action regarding financial transactions. The rise in digital scams highlights the need for public awareness and enhanced security measures in online financial dealings.
As investigations continue, police are looking into similar cases in the region, hoping to identify trends that could lead them to the culprits. Community leaders have also been called upon to educate residents about recognizing potential scams and protecting themselves from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.