The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell has successfully busted a fraudulent scheme called the ‘digital arrest’ scam. They arrested five individuals, including four employees from Yes Bank’s Deesa branch in Gujarat and one employee from the Merta branch in Rajasthan.
What Happened?
The scam was uncovered on November 16, when cybercriminals contacted a victim in Ahmedabad. These fraudsters pretended to be officers from the Delhi Police. They told the victim that a parcel had been intercepted under their name. According to the fraudsters, the parcel contained passports, drugs, and ATM cards linked to the victim’s Aadhaar card. This false information put the victim in a state of fear.
How Did They Trick the Victim?
Using scare tactics, the scammers threatened the victim with immediate arrest for being involved in illegal activities. They claimed the only way to avoid this was to provide their bank account details for “verification.” The fraudsters called this process a ‘digital arrest.’
To make the scam look genuine, the criminals demanded the victim transfer ₹1.15 crore to a bank account they controlled for further “investigation.” They also sent fake documents over WhatsApp to gain trust. These documents had logos of reputed agencies like the CBI, RBI, and even court seals, making them look official.
Who Was Involved?
Upon investigation, the Cyber Crime Cell discovered that employees of Yes Bank were helping the fraudsters. They arrested the following individuals:
- Jatin Chokhawala – Personal Banker (B.Com graduate)
- Jigar Joshi – Personal Banker (B.Com graduate)
- Deepak Soni – Personal Banker (B.Com graduate)
- Mavji Patel – Deputy Manager (BA LLB graduate)
- Anil Manda – Personal Banker from Yes Bank’s Merta branch
Why Were Bank Employees Arrested?
The bank employees are suspected of playing a crucial role in facilitating the fraudulent transactions. They may have misused their access to customer accounts or ignored signs of illegal activity.
What Can You Learn?
This scam highlights the importance of being cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown people, especially those claiming to be from government agencies or the police. Here are some key points to remember:
- Verify Claims: Always double-check such claims with the concerned authorities. Call their official helpline to confirm.
- Do Not Share Bank Details: Never share your bank account or personal information with anyone who contacts you over the phone.
- Beware of Scare Tactics: Fraudsters often use fear to force quick decisions. Stay calm and avoid acting in haste.
- Look for Red Flags: Genuine authorities will never ask for large sums of money or personal details over a call.
The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Cell is continuing its investigation to identify others involved in the scam. They have also urged citizens to report suspicious calls and frauds to the cybercrime helpline. Stay alert to protect yourself from such scams!
