A case of cyber fraud posing as a digital arrest has surfaced from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, where a Class 8 boy’s quick thinking prevented his parents from losing money after being held on a video call for nearly 10 hours.
The incident was reported from the Prem Nagar area. According to police, cyber fraudsters targeted a local trader, Sanjay Saxena, and his wife by calling from an unknown number and posing as officials from an investigative agency.
The callers accused Saxena of links to terrorist activities and a multi-crore scam, and even displayed a fake arrest warrant during a video call. The couple was threatened and psychologically pressured into compliance, with fraudsters keeping them continuously on camera under the pretext of a digital arrest.
Police said the scammers imposed strict conditions, asking the couple not to leave their home, keep the video call active at all times, and carry out every activity –including eating and resting — under surveillance. During the prolonged call, the fraudsters managed to extract sensitive bank details and were preparing to siphon off money.
The situation escalated over nearly 10 hours, with the couple too frightened to question the claims.
It was then that their son, Tanmay, a Class 8 student, sensed something was wrong. Despite initial resistance from his parents, who were under immense fear, the boy intervened late at night and switched the phone to flight mode, abruptly cutting off communication with the fraudsters.
His action disrupted the scam at a critical moment, preventing any financial loss.
The next morning, the family approached Prem Nagar police station. When the phone was switched back on, the fraudsters attempted to reconnect, but the call was answered by police officials, who confronted them.
SP City Manush Pareek confirmed that a case has been registered and urged citizens to remain cautious. He advised that any such calls claiming digital arrest or involving threats should be reported to the police immediately, and no financial details should be shared under pressure.
– Ends
(With inputs from Krishan Gopal Raj.)
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