In a shocking case of cyber fraud, an elderly couple in New Delhi lost nearly ₹14 crore after being trapped in an elaborate “digital arrest” scam that lasted over 16 days. The couple, unaware of the deception at first, were made to believe that they were being investigated in a high-profile money laundering case. The scam involved a complex web of intimidation, fake identities, and psychological manipulation, leaving the victims financially devastated and emotionally traumatised.

The victims, 81-year-old Om Taneja and 77-year-old Indira Taneja, are both retired doctors who returned to India from the United States in 2015. The couple resides in Greater Kailash II, Delhi, where the scam unfolded. According to Indira, the ordeal began on December 24, 2025, Christmas Eve, when she received a phone call from individuals posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

During the call, Indira was informed that multiple complaints had been lodged against her personal phone number for allegedly sending obscene messages and participating in illegal activities. The fraudsters went further, claiming that both she and her husband would be arrested immediately. The panic was intensified by reminders of her husband’s recent surgery and their fragile health, monitored closely by AIIMS doctors.

“They said my husband and I would be arrested. I was terrified,” Indira told reporters. “They claimed it was linked to national security and money laundering, and that our bank accounts and transactions were under scrutiny.”

Sophisticated Deception

The perpetrators used a highly orchestrated strategy to maintain control over the couple. One person, identifying himself as Vikrant Singh Rajput, claimed to be an official and insisted that Indira had a bank account in a Mumbai branch of Canara Bank—despite the fact that she only held joint accounts with her husband elsewhere. The fraudsters alleged that this account was linked to the notorious Naresh Goyal money laundering case, creating the impression of a serious legal threat.

Over the next 16 days, the couple was kept in a state of virtual confinement, under what the scammers called “digital arrest”. During this period, the perpetrators monitored their phone calls, messages, and interactions, effectively isolating them from friends, relatives, and legal advisors. Even calls to their children in the United States were heavily restricted and monitored, leaving the couple with no external support.

Indira recounted being forced to write letters to the Supreme Court and other authorities, under instructions from the scammers. Any attempt to contact outsiders was strictly prohibited, and minor infractions—such as the family driver arriving with medical reports—led to threats and further intimidation. “They said we could not have anyone in the house or there could be serious consequences,” she said.

Financial Losses

Through psychological manipulation and coercion, the scammers directed the couple to transfer funds over multiple transactions. In total, the Tanejas lost nearly ₹14 crore, with eight transfers made to seven different accounts controlled by the fraudsters. Police confirmed that the victims were unaware of the illicit nature of the transfers at the time, believing they were complying with legal orders and instructions from supposed authorities.

The scam highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods being used by cybercriminals in India, combining digital surveillance, social engineering, and fear tactics to exploit victims. In this case, the fraudsters not only created a sense of urgency and danger but also imposed strict isolation measures, effectively trapping the victims in a state of psychological and financial captivity.

Investigation Underway

The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered a case and is actively investigating the incident. Despite the large sums involved, the suspects remain unidentified. Authorities have warned the public about the rise of “digital arrest” scams, which often target elderly individuals and NRIs with threats of legal or national security consequences.

The Special Cell has urged citizens to be cautious of calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be officials and demanding immediate action or financial transfers. Experts say that such scams prey on fear, authority, and a victim’s desire to avoid legal trouble, making awareness and verification critical defenses.

Psychological Impact

Beyond financial losses, the scam inflicted severe psychological trauma on the Tanejas. Being told that they could face arrest, closely monitored at home, and cut off from friends and family for over two weeks created immense stress and anxiety. Indira described the experience as “terrifying,” noting that even routine interactions were controlled and scrutinized by the perpetrators.

The scam also illustrates a worrying trend in cybercrime where fraudsters combine digital tools with personalized intimidation to maintain control over victims. This hybrid approach—part social engineering, part psychological coercion—makes detection difficult and allows perpetrators to extract significant sums of money before victims realize the deception.

Broader Implications

Cases like the Tanejas’ raise broader concerns about the security of digital communication channels, especially for vulnerable populations. With the rise of online banking and instant money transfers, scammers can manipulate victims remotely, using credible-sounding identities and fabricated legal threats to enforce compliance. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly cautioning the public about the risks of responding to unsolicited calls or messages, particularly when instructed to transfer funds or provide personal information.

The Taneja case serves as a cautionary tale for NRIs and older citizens who may be targeted by such scams. Police experts recommend verifying identities, seeking independent legal advice, and avoiding hasty financial decisions when contacted by unknown individuals claiming to be officials.

Conclusion

The 16-day ordeal of Om and Indira Taneja underscores the sophistication and audacity of modern cybercriminals. What began as a single phone call escalated into a prolonged campaign of fear, digital surveillance, and financial exploitation, resulting in a loss of nearly ₹14 crore. While the police continue to investigate, the case is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, especially among vulnerable populations.

Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the Tanejas’ experience highlights the emotional and financial toll such scams can inflict, and the importance of spreading awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.