Ramesh Rao, a 65-year-old retired government employee, lived peacefully with his wife in Mysuru. After retirement, he spent his mornings reading newspapers, watering plants, and talking to his grandchildren over video calls. One afternoon, his phone rang from an unknown number. “Hello, Mr. Ramesh Rao?” the caller asked in a serious tone. “Yes,” Ramesh replied. “This is the Cyber Crime Investigation Department. Your Aadhaar number and bank account are linked to illegal money laundering activities.” Ramesh was shocked. Before he could understand what was happening, another person joined the call through video. He appeared in a police uniform with a background showing a police logo and flashing lights. “You are under DIGITAL ARREST,” the officer said loudly. “You are not allowed to disconnect the call or speak to anyone until the investigation is complete.” Ramesh became frightened. He had never visited a police station in his life. The fraudsters continued creating fear. “Your pension account may be frozen.”“You may be arrested today.”“Your property documents will be seized.” The scammers then instructed him to transfer his savings into a “safe verification account” for checking. Ramesh started trembling. He almost opened his banking app. At that moment, his daughter Meena arrived home and noticed that he looked worried. She asked him what had happened. When she heard the conversation, she immediately realized it was a scam. She disconnected the call and explained calmly: No police department conducts “digital arrest” through video calls. Government agencies never ask citizens to transfer money for verification. Real investigations follow legal procedures and official notices. Scammers use fear, urgency, and fake identities to trap people. Meena helped her father: Block the fraud number Report the incident on the National Cybercrime Helpline Inform the bank Secure online banking passwords Ramesh felt relieved. His lifetime savings were safe because he shared the problem with a trusted family member in time. That evening, he told his neighbours: “Fear made me stop thinking clearly. Awareness saved my money.” Today, Ramesh actively participates in digital safety awareness meetings and educates other senior citizens about cyber frauds. Important Safety Tips Never trust calls claiming “digital arrest” Never transfer money under pressure Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords Verify information through official government websites or local police Discuss suspicious calls with family members Report cyber fraud immediately by calling 1930 Key Message Financial literacy is not only about earning and saving money. It is also about protecting yourself from fraud and scams. Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay financially safe.