A Mumbai woman has been defrauded of ₹3.71 crore (approximately $445,000 USD) in a sophisticated online scam involving the impersonation of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India. The scam, dubbed a “digital arrest scam,” utilized manipulated images and fabricated legal notices to coerce the victim into transferring funds.
According to police reports, the fraudsters initially contacted the woman via WhatsApp, posing as representatives of the Bombay High Court. They falsely informed her that a case had been registered against her and that a warrant had been issued for her arrest. To avoid arrest, they claimed, she needed to cooperate with the investigation and transfer funds to designated accounts.
The scammers then escalated the deception by using deepfake technology to create a video call featuring a person impersonating Justice Chandrachud. During this call, the fake judge allegedly instructed the woman to deposit the money, claiming it was necessary to “settle” the case and prevent her arrest. The victim, believing the claims and fearing legal repercussions, complied with the demands, making multiple transactions over a period of time.
Modus Operandi and Investigation
The scam followed a pattern observed in several similar cases across India. Fraudsters typically target individuals with high financial standing, using social engineering tactics to instill fear and urgency. They often leverage the authority of respected figures, like judges, to gain the victim’s trust. The use of deepfake technology represents a concerning escalation in the sophistication of these scams.
Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the matter. The cybercrime unit is currently tracing the financial transactions and attempting to identify the perpetrators. Authorities are collaborating with WhatsApp and other social media platforms to gather evidence and block the accounts used in the scam. Initial investigations suggest the scammers may be operating from outside of India, potentially making apprehension more challenging.
This incident highlights the growing threat of online fraud and the importance of verifying information received through digital channels. Cybersecurity experts advise individuals to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls or messages, especially those threatening legal action. They emphasize the need to independently verify the authenticity of any claims made by unknown individuals, particularly when financial transactions are involved. Directly contacting the court or relevant authorities through official channels is crucial.
The police are urging citizens to report any similar incidents immediately. They are also conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public about the latest online fraud techniques and how to protect themselves. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital communication and the need for heightened vigilance against increasingly sophisticated scams.
The victim has been advised to cooperate fully with the investigation and to provide all relevant information to the authorities. Recovery of the lost funds remains uncertain, but the police are committed to pursuing all available leads to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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