How Did a Hyderabad Man Lose Rs 51 Lakh in Digital Arrest Fraud?
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Synopsis
In an alarming case from Hyderabad, a retired government employee fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam, losing a staggering Rs 51 lakh. This incident highlights the pressing need for awareness regarding cybercrimes as elderly individuals are increasingly targeted. Read on to discover the details of this fraudulent scheme and how to protect yourself from similar threats.
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls from unknown numbers.
- Do not share personal or financial information over the phone.
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from law enforcement.
- Report any suspicious calls or scams to the authorities immediately.
- Educate yourself and others about common fraud tactics.
Hyderabad, Oct 30 (NationPress) A 78-year-old pensioner was deceived out of Rs 51 lakh in a shocking case of digital arrest fraud. The elder, a former Central government employee residing in Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad, received a phone call from an individual impersonating the Assistant Commissioner of Police from the Mumbai Crime Branch. The fraudster threatened the victim by claiming that his mobile SIM card was involved in serious crimes, including bomb blasts and kidnapping.
The fraudster further claimed that multiple SIM cards were registered in the victim's name and presented fake notices from the CBI, accusing him of money laundering.
During a video call, the criminal placed the victim under a form of 'digital arrest', preventing him from contacting anyone while extracting sensitive bank account information.
Under immense pressure, the senior citizen was coerced into transferring 95 percent of his funds to escape the fabricated charges, with the promise that the money would be returned after the investigation.
Eventually, the victim realized he had been conned and reported the incident to the Cybercrime police.
The police have since opened an investigation into the matter.
This incident marks the second such fraud case reported in the city this week. Earlier, a 73-year-old woman fell victim to a similar scam, losing Rs 1.43 crore.
In her case, fraudsters posed as police officers, threatening her that her Aadhaar card was linked to a criminal involved in child trafficking and murder, and that her arrest was imminent.
The woman received a call from someone identifying himself as Akash Choudhary, an officer from the Gandhi Nagar police station in Bengaluru. He falsely claimed that a criminal had her Aadhaar card and that an FIR was lodged against her.
The impersonator displayed a forged arrest warrant and a CBI account freezing order, causing her to panic and transfer her savings to the scammer.
In response to these incidents, Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar has warned citizens about cybercriminals who create fake WhatsApp accounts using his image to solicit money. He has urged the public not to engage with these messages and to report such accounts immediately.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the growing menace of cyber frauds targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. The Nation is committed to raising awareness about these scams and advocating for preventative measures. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Hyderabad pensioner?
The pensioner was scammed out of Rs 51 lakh by cybercriminals impersonating police officers.
How did the fraudster operate?
The fraudster posed as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, threatening the victim over the phone and during a video call.
What advice do authorities have for preventing similar scams?
Authorities recommend being cautious of unsolicited calls, not sharing personal information, and reporting any suspicious behavior.
