Retired Indian Senior Scientist Falls Victim To ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam, Loses Life Savings

Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 14:21 IST

The scammers presented fake documents, manipulated videos, and subjected her to constant threats and coercion

The family has reported the matter to authorities and is pursuing legal action. (LinkedIn @Richa Goswami)

In yet another alarming case of cyber fraud, a senior scientist Dr. Usha Goswami, lost her entire life savings to a ‘Digital Arrest’ scam, a sophisticated cybercrime operation that has been sweeping across India.

The incident came to light after her daughter, Richa Goswami, detailed the ordeal in a social media post that has since gone viral. Richa described it as the “hardest post I’ve ever had to write," warning others that this could happen to anyone’s parents or loved ones.

According to the post, the scam did not involve phishing links or emails. It began with a video call from fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials, claiming Dr. Goswami’s Aadhaar number was linked to money laundering and human trafficking cases.

The scammers presented fake documents, manipulated videos, and subjected her to constant threats and coercion, keeping her virtually hostage through ‘digital arrest’ tactics. Over several days, they mentally pressured her into transferring her entire life savings.

Calling it “psychological warfare," Richa said the scam is specifically targeting elderly, educated, law-abiding citizens, particularly those living alone.

The family has reported the matter to authorities and is pursuing legal action. They are also urging the public to be aware of such scams and take immediate action if targeted.

Abhro Banerjee

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...Read More

Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ...

Read More

Location :

First Published:

News india Retired Indian Senior Scientist Falls Victim To ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam, Loses Life Savings