Nagpur: A 64-year-old retired man from Nagpur narrowly escaped a suspected ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud after he recalled a cybercrime awareness session conducted by Nagpur Police for senior citizens and refused to follow the caller’s instructions.

Arvind Purnaji Tayde, a resident of Bhagyashree Nagar in Hudkeshwar, received a call from an unidentified number on Wednesday. The caller allegedly claimed that a SIM card had been obtained using Tayde’s identity and that a bank account had also been opened in his name. The caller further alleged that the account was being used for terrorist activities and that a criminal case had been registered against him.

The fraudster allegedly tried to frighten Tayde by threatening him with legal action and claiming that he was under ‘digital arrest’.

Instead of panicking, Tayde remembered the cyber-fraud awareness programme organised by Nagpur Police at Police Bhavan on Senior Citizens’ Day. During the session, police officials had explained how cybercriminals impersonate police officers and other government authorities, make false allegations and create fear before attempting to extort money or obtain sensitive information.

Realising that he could be facing a cyber scam, Tayde did not follow the caller’s instructions and did not disclose any financial or personal details. He subsequently approached the police and reported the attempted fraud.

Tayde later personally visited the police to thank the cybercrime officials, saying the awareness session had helped him identify the scam and avoid a possible financial loss. He said he could have lost money had he panicked and acted on the caller’s instructions.

DCP Cyber Mahak Swami said the incident highlighted the importance of continuous public awareness about cyber fraud.

“Awareness can make a real difference. This is exactly what we want people to do — recognise the warning signs, remain calm and verify before taking any action,” Swami said. He added that the fact that a senior citizen remembered the guidance given by police and prevented the fraud demonstrated the importance of such awareness programmes.

Police have appealed to citizens not to panic when callers claim that their SIM card, bank account or identity has been linked to a criminal case. No genuine police or investigating agency conducts an arrest through a video call or demands money to settle a criminal case, police said.