Alert neighbour foils ‘digital arrest’ scam, saves elderly couple from losing ₹24 lakh in Maninagar, Ahmedabad

An alert neighbour helped prevent a major cyber fraud in the Maninagar area of Ahmedabad, saving an elderly couple from being duped of

₹24 lakh after they were subjected to ‘digital arrest’ scam orchestrated by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.

According to police, the victims identified as Ritaben and her husband Pankajbhai, both senior citizens living alone, were targeted by unknown accused who contacted them over phone, claiming to be officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The callers allegedly told the couple that they were implicated in a high-profile case linked to a political figure and threatened them with immediate arrest.

Officials said the fraudsters used intimidation tactics, including setting up a fake courtroom scenario over video call, complete with impersonators posing as judges and police officers, to lend credibility to their claims. The couple was reportedly kept under constant surveillance through video calls and instructed not to leave their house or disconnect their phones, effectively placing them under what police described as a ‘digital arrest’.

“The accused appeared well-versed with legal procedures and used technical jargon to create fear. They specifically targeted elderly individuals living alone,” said N K Vyas, Assistant Commissioner of Police (J Division).

The fraudsters had allegedly ascertained the couple’s financial details and instructed them to arrange ₹24 lakh by the afternoon of the same day, even prompting them to break fixed deposits to arrange the funds.

The scam, however, was foiled due to the timely intervention of a neighbour, Parul Desai. According to Desai, she was alerted by the couple’s daughter, who noticed unusual behaviour during a phone call with her parents.

“When I went to check on them, their behaviour seemed suspicious. Based on my past awareness of such cyber frauds, I suspected they were being digitally confined. I immediately took their phone and brought them to the police station,” Desai said.

She added that when she confronted the caller and handed the phone to the police, the accused appeared to panic. “They were repeatedly addressing the victim as ‘mataji’ and issuing threats. Once the police intervened, they backed off,” she said.

Police confirmed that the couple had already initiated the process of liquidating fixed deposits, but the transaction was halted in time. “Their money was saved due to the awareness and prompt action of the neighbour,” an officer said.

Ritaben, the complainant, said the callers had threatened her with arrest in connection with a money laundering case and even warned of harm to her daughter. “They told me I was involved in a case and would be taken to Delhi or Mumbai. We were not allowed to step out or end the call. Thanks to my neighbour and the police, we were saved,” she said.

Following the incident, Maninagar police have issued an advisory to banks to remain vigilant when senior citizens attempt to withdraw or transfer large sums under suspicious circumstances. Officials said banks have been asked to alert the police if such cases arise.

In recognition of her presence of mind and civic responsibility, Parul Desai will be honoured by the police department.

The investigation into the identity and location of the accused—believed to be operating from outside Gujarat—is currently under way.