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Hyderabad, Oct.14 (PMI): A 72-year-old woman from Nampally in Hyderabad allegedly lost Rs.2.20 crore to cybercriminals posing as CBI officers in a ‘digital arrest’ scam.
The fraudsters contacted the senior citizen through a video call and claimed that a parcel containing illegal drugs had been booked in her name and that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering. They displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened to arrest her unless she complied with their instructions.
Under the pretext of security deposits and verification of funds, the victim was coerced into transferring money in multiple transactions to different mule bank accounts, resulting in a total loss of Rs/2.20 crore.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against digital arrest frauds. The police said cybercriminals impersonate officials of the police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Customs and other government agencies to intimidate victims with fabricated criminal allegations and extort money.
Fraudsters often use fake identity cards, forged documents and fabricated police-station backgrounds during video calls. They may force victims to remain on continuous calls, isolate themselves from family members and transfer money under the pretext of verification, bail or security deposits.
Police clarified that there is no such concept as a ‘digital arrest’ and that genuine law-enforcement agencies do not demand money over phone or video calls to avoid arrest or secure clearance.
Citizens have been advised to disconnect suspicious calls, independently verify claims through official channels, inform trusted family members and never disclose OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking credentials.
Victims of cyber financial fraud should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or report the incident at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt reporting may help authorities freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the chances of recovering the money. (pressmediaofindia,com)
