Mohammad Hanief
A single phone call, masked as official authority and amplified by fear, cost an elderly Srinagar couple their lifetime savings of ?48 lakh. The incident, involving a sophisticated “digital arrest” cyber scam, has once again exposed the growing vulnerability of citizens in Kashmir to online fraud and the urgent need for widespread digital awareness.
The couple according to the media reports was contacted through WhatsApp video calls by fraudsters posing as senior officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The callers alleged that the couple’s mobile numbers and bank accounts were linked to serious criminal activities, including money laundering and illegal financial transactions allegedly routed through multiple shell accounts.
Speaking with authority and confidence, the impostors warned the victims of immediate arrest, seizure of property and freezing of all bank accounts. To reinforce their claims, the fraudsters displayed forged documents bearing government insignia and case numbers, creating an illusion of legitimacy that left the victims confused and terrified.
Over several days, the couple was kept under relentless psychological pressure through continuous video calls, a method investigators describe as “virtual house arrest”. The victims were instructed not to disconnect the call or contact relatives, neighbours or police officials, and were told that any attempt to do so would result in swift legal action. Isolated, frightened and overwhelmed, the couple ultimately transferred ?48 lakh in multiple transactions to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
It was only when communication abruptly stopped and no official follow-up occurred that the couple realised they had been duped. They later approached the authorities, leading to the registration of a case and an investigation into the source of the calls and the movement of the stolen funds.
Police officials have reiterated that there is no such legal concept as a “digital arrest” and that no government or law-enforcement agency conducts investigations, arrests or financial verification through phone calls, video calls or social media platforms. “No officer will ever ask for money, bank details, passwords or OTPs over a call,” officials stressed, urging citizens to treat such communications as fraud.
The Srinagar case is not an isolated episode but part of a rapidly expanding pattern of cybercrime across Jammu and Kashmir. With the widespread adoption of smartphones, online banking, digital payments and social media, cybercrime has emerged as one of the fastest-growing threats in the region. What was once perceived as an urban or metropolitan problem has now reached households across cities, towns and rural areas of the Valley.
Cyber police data indicates that financial fraud constitutes the overwhelming majority of cybercrime complaints in Kashmir. These include fake bank calls, phishing messages, fraudulent investment schemes, online shopping frauds, job and work-from-home scams, and impersonation of government agencies. In many cases, victims lose substantial sums within hours, often without realising they are being deceived until it is too late.
The digital arrest scam, in particular, has alarmed investigators because of its reliance on psychological manipulation rather than technical expertise. By impersonating powerful institutions and invoking fear of arrest, public disgrace and legal consequences, scammers succeed in breaking down victims’ ability to think rationally. Cyber experts note that even educated and digitally aware individuals have fallen prey to such schemes due to the intense pressure created during these calls.
Kashmir’s social and economic realities further compound the problem. While digital usage has increased rapidly, digital literacy has not grown at the same pace. Many people, especially senior citizens and first-time users of online banking services, are unfamiliar with evolving cybercrime techniques. At the same time, a large number of elderly residents live alone, as their children work or study outside the Valley, making them especially vulnerable to fear-based scams that rely on isolation.
Another troubling aspect is the delay in reporting cyber fraud. Many victims hesitate to approach the police due to embarrassment, fear of official procedures or the belief that recovery is impossible once money is lost. Cybercrime officials warn that such delays significantly reduce the chances of freezing fraudulent transactions, as scammers quickly move funds through multiple accounts, often across state or national boundaries.
In recent months, cyber police units across Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara and Jammu have recorded a sharp rise in cybercrime complaints. While timely reporting has helped authorities freeze suspect accounts and recover partial amounts in several cases, officials acknowledge that recovery remains challenging when transactions are delayed or routed through complex digital networks.
In response to the growing threat, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified efforts to strengthen cybercrime prevention and investigation. Dedicated cyber police stations have been reinforced, personnel have undergone specialised training, and coordination with banks, telecom companies and national cyber agencies has been improved to enable quicker responses to fraud alerts.
Police have also stepped up public awareness efforts, repeatedly cautioning citizens that no government agency contacts individuals through WhatsApp or video calls for investigations. People are advised to immediately disconnect such calls, avoid engaging with unknown callers and report suspicious activity without delay. Authorities urge victims to contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or register complaints on the official cybercrime reporting portal to facilitate swift action. Experts stress that law enforcement alone cannot counter the cybercrime menace unless supported by community awareness and family-level vigilance. Regular conversations within families about online safety, particularly with elderly members, can significantly reduce vulnerability. Encouraging people to verify suspicious claims with trusted relatives or local authorities before taking any action can disrupt the effectiveness of fear-driven scams. Community engagement also plays a crucial role. Open discussion of cyber fraud incidents, responsible sharing of verified information and removal of stigma associated with reporting such crimes can help build collective resilience. Cybercrime officials emphasise that victims should not blame themselves, as scammers use carefully crafted narratives designed to exploit trust, fear and authority.
The loss of ?48 lakh by a Srinagar couple serves as a stark reminder that cybercrime is no longer a distant or abstract threat but a real and growing danger in Kashmir. As daily life becomes increasingly digital, the risks associated with online interactions continue to multiply. While police and regulatory agencies are strengthening enforcement mechanisms, awareness, caution and timely reporting remain the most effective defences.
In an age where criminals can reach victims with a single call or message, staying informed is not merely advisable-it is essential.
(The author is a senior analyst)