Mumbai: A shocking case of cyber fraud has once again highlighted the growing danger of “digital arrest” scams in India. Mumbai-based stand-up comedian Ankita Shrivastav recently revealed how she was allegedly trapped by fraudsters posing as FedEx officials and police officers, leading to a financial loss of nearly ₹9 lakh.
According to Ankita, the incident began in October 2024 when she received a phone call from a man claiming to be from FedEx. The caller informed her that a courier allegedly sent in her name to Iraq had been intercepted by police because it supposedly contained illegal drugs.
Soon after, she was connected through a video call to two men dressed in police uniforms. The fake officers claimed that she was under investigation and placed her under what they described as a “digital arrest” until her identity could be verified.
For nearly eight hours, the fraudsters continuously monitored her through a video calling application on her laptop. She was allegedly instructed not to switch off the camera, leave her home, or communicate with anyone during the process.
During the prolonged interrogation, the scammers questioned her about her personal details, bank accounts, and transaction history, repeatedly warning her about the seriousness of the case and the legal consequences she could face.
Mentally exhausted and under severe psychological pressure, Ankita eventually approved multiple financial transactions as directed by the fake officers. Later, she discovered that the entire operation was a well-planned cyber scam, resulting in a loss of approximately ₹9 lakh.
The comedian publicly shared her experience for the first time in April 2026 through a comedy performance uploaded on her YouTube channel. She stated that many people questioned how an educated person could fall victim to such fraud, a question she says she has repeatedly asked herself as well.
Cyber crime experts warn that “digital arrest” scams are rapidly increasing across the country. Fraudsters often impersonate courier companies, police officials, or government agencies to create fear and panic among victims. Authorities advise the public never to transfer money or share confidential financial information based solely on phone or video calls.
DPCI News Desk advises citizens to remain alert and immediately report suspicious calls to the cyber crime helpline or nearest police station.
