Bengaluru Man Loses ₹3.2 Lakh in Fake NIA Arrest Scam

A 46-year-old warehouse in-charge at a private company in Bengaluru lost ₹3.2 lakh in a cyber fraud. Scammers impersonated officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and threatened him with a fake arrest warrant.

The fraudsters claimed that legal action had been initiated against him. They pressured him to transfer money to avoid immediate arrest, according to the police complaint.

Scammers Threatened Victim With Fake Arrest Warrant

The victim received multiple WhatsApp video calls from August 1 onwards. The accused introduced himself as V. Kumar and claimed to be an NIA officer.

During the calls, the accused told the victim that an arrest warrant had been issued against him. He then demanded ₹3.2 lakh to prevent his arrest.

The scammers also tried to make their story appear legitimate. They claimed that the money would be credited to the RBI and refunded within 24 hours.

Victim Transferred Money After WhatsApp Video Calls

Fearing arrest, the victim transferred ₹3.2 lakh to the bank account provided by the scammers.

Later, he discussed the matter with his company’s managing director. He then realised that he had fallen victim to cybercrime.

The victim called the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930. He also registered a complaint with the police.

Fraudsters Misused Company Director’s Identity

Investigators found that the fraudsters allegedly misused the photograph and identity of the company’s managing director. They used the details to make their claims appear more credible.

Cases involving fake arrest warrants have become a growing cybercrime concern. Fraudsters often impersonate agencies such as the NIA, CBI, ED and police.

Cybercriminals use fear and fake legal documents to pressure victims. They then convince them to transfer money to avoid supposed legal action.

How to Stay Safe From Fake Arrest Scams

The incident highlights the growing threat of fake arrest and digital arrest scams.

LawEnforcementDaily advises the public to remain cautious when receiving such calls. No law enforcement agency or government department will demand money over a phone or video call to cancel an arrest warrant.

People should also be suspicious of requests to transfer money to verify their bank accounts.

Anyone receiving such threats should end the call immediately. They should verify the claim through official channels and report the incident to the cyber police without delay.