Odisha University VC Loses ₹14 Lakh in Digital Arrest Scam

Odisha University VC Loses ₹14 Lakh in Digital Arrest Scam

Berhampur University Vice Chancellor (VC) Geetanjali Dash was allegedly defrauded of ₹14 lakh by a cybercriminal who posed as an officer from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The scammer falsely accused her of being involved in a money laundering case and tricked her into transferring the amount.

How the Scam Unfolded

On February 12, Ms. Dash received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an ED officer. The caller alleged that crores of rupees had been deposited in a bank account under her name, making her a suspect in an ongoing investigation. He then informed her that she was under “digital arrest” and needed to pay ₹14 lakh to clear her name.

Believing the claims, Ms. Dash transferred the requested amount to a bank account provided by the fraudster. To gain her trust, the scammer later returned ₹80,000 to her account, claiming that the full amount would be refunded in installments. However, when the fraudster stopped responding, she realized she had been deceived and filed a police complaint on February 24.

Police Investigation Underway

Following her complaint, the Berhampur Cyber Police registered a case and launched an investigation. Superintendent of Police (SP) Saravan Vivek stated that efforts were being made to trace the culprits involved in the scam.

Speaking about the incident, Ms. Dash revealed that the fraudster spoke in English and even mentioned details about her family to make the scam seem credible. He also pressured her to empty her bank account under the pretext of an audit.

This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud targeting high-profile individuals. Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and verify any suspicious calls claiming to be from government agencies.