A Bengaluru woman lost approximately $400,000 over six months in a sophisticated fraud involving impersonators claiming to be officials from DHL, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The elaborate scheme highlights the increasing prevalence of online scams targeting individuals with complex and persistent tactics.

The ordeal began on September 15, 2024, when the victim received a phone call from someone claiming to be a DHL employee. They alleged a package originating from Mumbai contained four unauthorized passports, three credit cards, and MDMA, an illegal drug. When the woman stated she had not traveled to Mumbai, the caller suggested her personal information may have been compromised and advised her to file a cybercrime complaint.

Almost immediately, the call was transferred to an individual posing as a CBI official. This person threatened the woman with arrest and discouraged her from contacting the police. The fraudsters then falsely placed her under house arrest, monitoring her via Skype.

The fraudsters claimed that a review of all her assets by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) under the RBI was necessary for exoneration. Between September 24, 2024, and October 22, 2024, the victim provided the scammers with complete access to her bank details. They instructed her to deposit 90% of her funds into a specified account. On December 1, 2024, the fraudsters sent a fake clearance certificate, but continued to demand money, promising a full refund in February. Contact with the scammers was completely lost on March 26, 2025. According to the police report, the victim made 187 transactions totaling approximately $400,000. Police have launched an investigation.

English Summary:

Digital arrest scam: A Bengaluru resident was defrauded of nearly ₹32 crore through an elaborate digital arrest scam. Fraudsters impersonated DHL, CBI, and RBI officials, coercing the victim into making 187 transactions under false threats of arrest and asset verification..