Digital Arrest scam targets female doctor at Srinagar hospital
Srinagar, Jul 19: In a chilling case of cyber fraud that could have ended in financial and emotional disaster, a female doctor working at a hospital in the city was nearly duped by scammers posing as police officers in a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam.
The incident took place earlier this week. The doctor, who wishes to remain anonymous, received a video call on her phone while she was on duty. She was horrified to find the caller sitting in what looked like a police station, complete with uniformed officers and an official-looking setting. The caller identified himself as a senior police officer and told her she was being investigated for alleged involvement in a money laundering case.
“She was instructed to move to a private room, lock the door and draw the curtains. The goal was clear, isolate her,” said a hospital staffer familiar with the case.
Once alone, the doctor was told that a “terrorist” had transferred illicit funds into her account and that the only way to prove her innocence was to cooperate by transferring the ‘dirty money’ into a designated government account for investigation. She was urged to act swiftly, and warned that any delay or attempt to inform family could lead to arrest or seizure of her assets.
The doctor was terrified, confused and under a spell. She initially complied, even checking her bank balance to begin the transfer, but just before making the transaction, she insisted on consulting her husband. The scammer tried to dissuade her, claiming it would jeopardise the investigation. Despite the pressure, she ended the call and dialled her husband, a decision that likely saved her.
“He immediately told her it was a scam and asked her to open the door and alert her colleagues,” said a friend of the family. Her hospital co-workers quickly stepped in, offering emotional support and helping her process the traumatic experience.
The doctor hopes that sharing her story anonymously will help prevent others from falling prey. Digital arrest is becoming alarmingly common. Criminals use deepfake technology, spoofed numbers, and psychological manipulation to isolate and control their targets.
Cybercrime officials urge citizens to stay alert as no law enforcement agency will ask for money transfers over a video call. The best defense is to hang up and report the incident immediately.
