Mysuru youth 'digitally arrested;' losesRs 4.7 L

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru/Mysuru

In a shocking case of cybercrime, a Mysuru youth has alleged being tricked into a Rs 4.7 lakh loan by fraudsters who subjected him to 24 hours of "digital arrest." The victim has filed a complaint with the Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) police station, reporting mental harassment from a financial company demanding EMI payments for a loan he unknowingly availed. The ordeal began when the youth received a call from individuals claiming to be officials. Accusing him of involvement in illegal activities through his SIM card, they threatened him with legal action, including charges under non-bailable offences.

To "prove" his innocence, they instructed him to download a communication app and connect with a purported "senior officer." Reports reveal that the scammers manipulated the youth into sharing his bank account details under the guise of verification. Soon after, Rs 4.7 lakh was deposited into his account and immediately withdrawn by the fraudsters. During this time, the victim was effectively held in "digital arrest," unable to use his phone freely or seek assistance. It was only after 24 hours that he realised the full extent of the fraud. The scammer had taken out a loan in his name from a financial service provider. To his dismay, the company has since issued notices demanding EMI payments, exacerbating his distress.

An FIR has been registered, and police have reiterated the importance of vigilance against such scams. Authorities urge the public to verify any suspicious calls or demands for personal information and to report such incidents immediately. This case highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the urgent need for awareness to ombat digital fraud effectively.