Kochi, Kerala: A Mattancherry resident has fallen victim to a sophisticated virtual arrest scam, losing ₹2 crore 80 lakh over six separate transactions. The fraud involved fake certificates bearing the emblems of the Supreme Court and the CBI.

Virtual courtroom deception

The victim was first contacted on July 10 by individuals falsely claiming to represent the Delhi Crime Branch. She was informed that she was implicated in a fraud related to Jet Airways. To make the deception convincing, the scammers created a virtual courtroom, complete with a judge and a witness. The witness allegedly testified against her, pressuring her to comply with their demands.

Escalating extortion

Initially, the fraudsters demanded ₹9 lakh to secure her release, assuring her that payment would prove her innocence and be returned. The scam escalated, with subsequent demands of ₹50 lakh and then ₹80 lakh. Across six incidents, the total amount extorted reached ₹2 crore 80 lakh. The victim paid using both cash in hand and funds raised by pawning her gold.

The scammers also claimed that a clearance certificate could be obtained from Mattancherry police, further misleading the victim. The ordeal caused severe mental distress for her and her family. She realised the fraud only upon visiting the Mattancherry police station to collect the certificate.

Following her complaint, Mattancherry police have registered a case. They have recorded her statement and are investigating the matter.