Woman loses Rs 20 crore in Aadhaar digital arrest scam: Why do people keep falling in traps?

An 86-year-old woman in Mumbai lost over ?20 crore to fraudsters posing as police officers. Between December 26, 2024, and March 3, 2025, the scammers convinced her that her Aadhaar card had been misused and coerced her into transferring money to various accounts. They threatened legal action against her and her family if she did not comply. The victim was placed under "digital arrest," preventing her from discussing the situation.

Police Investigate and Issue Warnings After realizing the fraud, the woman reported the incident to the police. Authorities have traced the financial transactions and detained the individuals involved. Officials have warned the public to remain vigilant against such scams. They emphasized that neither the police nor UIDAI officials ask for personal details or remote device access. They advised people to disconnect suspicious calls immediately and report them to UIDAI’s helpline at 1947.

Why Do Scammers Still Succeed? Despite continuous awareness campaigns, many people continue to fall victim to such scams. Investigators and psychologists highlight that fraudsters use psychological tactics to manipulate even tech-savvy individuals.

Scammers often impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims have outstanding warrants or illegal items in their name. They demand immediate payments or verification to avoid arrest. “Scammers pose as law enforcement officials or government agents, using firm tones and spoofed phone numbers to extract personal and financial information from their victims. As the victim's anxiety spirals, the scammers seize the opportunity to manipulate their actions to create a false sense of obligation,” explained a senior cyber cell officer.

Tactics Used by Scammers Fraudsters create urgency and fear by using spoofed phone numbers to appear credible. They pressurize victims into providing financial information through untraceable payment methods like prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. “The scammer's goal is to create a sense of panic and confusion, making it difficult for the victim to think clearly or seek outside help. They may use high-pressure tactics, threatening to arrest the victim or seize their assets if payment is not made immediately,” an investigator said.

Scammers also use trust-building tactics by telling victims, “you're a good citizen” or “we're trying to help you.” Some even use fake backgrounds, including visuals and sounds of a police station, and show men in uniform to make their claims seem legitimate. “As the victim realizes they have been scammed, they often feel a mix of emotions: shame, anger, and relief. They may wonder how they fell victim to such a blatant scam, but the truth is that these scammers are experts at exploiting human psychology,” said a senior psychologist based in Delhi.

How to Stay Safe from Scams Investigators recommend being cautious of unsolicited calls, verifying the identity of callers, and never sharing personal or financial details. They advise ignoring calls claiming drugs have been found in parcels linked to the victim. A senior police officer stated, “Tell your friends and family that there is nothing such as digital arrest. Just pass on the word as awareness is key in curbing such social engineered crimes.”