A tragic incident unfolded in Beedi village, Khanapur taluk, where an elderly couple, fearing digital arrest and cyber threats, took their own lives on Thursday evening. This is the first reported case in the district where victims ended their lives due to fear induced by cyber fraudsters.
The deceased have been identified as Diego Santan Nazareth (82) and his wife Flavia (79), residents of Christian Galli, Beedi. Diego was found in a pool of blood inside an underground water tank, while Flavia was discovered lifeless inside their home. Alarmed neighbors, upon noticing Flavia unresponsive, informed the police.
Authorities recovered a two-page handwritten suicide note in English, a sickle, and the mobile phone used by Diego. In the note, Diego stated that he and his wife had chosen to end their lives willingly, emphasizing that no one should be held responsible. The couple, who had no children, had reportedly been receiving threatening calls from cyber fraudsters posing as officials.
According to the note, an individual named Sumit Birra called Diego from Delhi, claiming to be a representative of BSBL and accusing him of using his phone number for illegal advertisements. He was then connected to another person, Anil Yadav, who allegedly threatened severe consequences. Driven by fear and anxiety, the couple decided they could no longer live “at the mercy of someone.” Diego also mentioned loans taken from friends and requested that they be repaid using the proceeds from selling his wife’s gold jewelry. Additionally, he expressed his wish for their remains to be donated to a medical institution for educational purposes.
Nandgad police have seized the mobile phone, sickle, and suicide note as part of their investigation.
Beware of Digital Arrest Scams: How to Stay Safe
Cybercriminals often exploit fear and confusion to manipulate victims into making irrational decisions. Here are some key steps to protect yourself from digital arrest scams:
- Know the Law: Indian law enforcement agencies do not issue digital arrest threats over the phone. Any such call is a scam.
- Verify the Caller: If someone claims to be from a government agency, bank, or service provider, verify their credentials through official channels before responding.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never disclose bank details, OTPs, or sensitive personal data over the phone.
- Avoid Panic Responses: Scammers try to create a sense of urgency. Take your time and consult with a trusted friend, family member, or lawyer before taking any action.
- Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a threatening call demanding money or personal information, report it to the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or log a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Enable Call Blocking: Use caller ID and spam detection apps to filter out suspicious numbers.
- Educate Seniors: Elderly individuals are often targeted in such scams. Ensure they understand the risks and whom to contact in case of doubt.
As digital fraud cases rise, awareness is the strongest defense. If you or someone you know is being harassed by cybercriminals, seek help immediately and do not fall prey to fear tactics.