Diogjeron Santan Nazareth and his wife Flaviana had lived a life of quiet dignity. He was 82, she was 79, and the couple had no children.
Together, they had built a peaceful world in Beedi, a small village in Karnataka’s Belagavi district.
Retirement had been kind to them. But one phone call changed everything.
“Sir, I’m calling from the Telecom Department in Delhi. We have detected illegal activities linked to a SIM card registered in your name.”
The voice on the other end was firm, professional. Diogjeron, a man who had spent decades working and saving for a secure future, felt his chest tighten. “Illegal activities?” he asked, confused.
“Yes, sir. Your number has been used in a money laundering case. We need to verify your bank details to clear your name.”
Fear gripped him. Flaviana, hearing the conversation, frowned. “Hang up, Dio,” she whispered. “This sounds fishy.”
But before he could process it, the caller switched tactics.
“Sir, I’m transferring your call to Anil Yadav from the Crime Branch.”
Another voice, deeper and more authoritative, filled the line. “Mr. Nazareth, this is a serious matter. Please cooperate to avoid legal action and arrest.”
Panic settled in. They were scared of the situation of police knocking on their door and arresting them. Against his better judgment, Diogjeron did as instructed.
One by one, he transferred his life’s savings. Over ₹50 lakh, gone, just like that.
The Aftermath: When Shame Takes Over
The harassment didn’t stop there. Even after looting their money, the scammers kept calling, demanding more.
Diogjeron sat on the edge of his bed, head in his hands. “Flaviana, what have I done?”
His wife, usually the calm one, looked as lost as he did. “We should tell someone,” she said, gripping his arm. “Maybe the bank, maybe the police—”
“They’ll think we’re fools,” he muttered. “We are fools.”
Days passed, their home heavy with silence. The shame was unbearable.
They felt shame in accepting the fact of being scammed.
Then, on a somber day, they made a final decision. In a two-page note, they expressed their grief and shame, writing that no one should be blamed for what they were about to do.
Diogjeron was found in the underground water tank of their home, wounds on his body revealing the depths of his despair.
Flaviana lay lifeless on their bed, suspected of having consumed poison.
The Rising Threat of Cyber Fraud
The Nazareths’ story is just one of many. Scammers prey on fear, authority, and the urgency of the moment.
This type of fraud is known as a “digital arrest scam”, where fraudsters pose as government officials and intimidate victims into transferring money.
Their targets are often elderly individuals who may not be tech-savvy or quick to question authority.
But here’s the truth: No legitimate official will ever ask for money over a phone call.
No police department demands an immediate bank transfer to “clear” your name.
Final Thoughts
Diogjeron and Flaviana Nazareth were not careless people. They were victims of a ruthless, well-crafted deception. Their story is a painful reminder of how sophisticated cyber fraud has become and how high the stakes are.
If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, don’t let shame silence you. Speak up, report it, and seek help. Because staying silent only lets the fraudsters win.
If you have been scammed in any such scam, then fill in the details in the form below. Our team will contact you and guide you with the complaint & recovery process.
