Hyderabad Police Warn Against Digital Arrest Scams After Senior Citizen Loses Rs 2.20-Cr
According to a public advisory issued by Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes and SIT) M. Srinivasulu, the victim received a video call from a person claiming to be a CBI officer, who alleged 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.
The fraudster allegedly displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened to arrest the woman.
Under the pretext of security deposits, she was coerced into transferring multiple amounts to different bank accounts, resulting in a total loss of Rs 2.20 crore.
Police said digital arrest scams involve criminals impersonating law-enforcement agencies and government authorities, including the police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Customs and other departments, to intimidate victims with fabricated criminal allegations and extort money.
The fraudsters typically contact victims through phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages or video calls, alleging that their mobile numbers, bank accounts, identity documents or parcels are linked to criminal activities.
They use fake identity cards, forged warrants, fabricated case documents and official-looking backgrounds to make their claims appear genuine.
In some cases, victims are instructed to remain on continuous video calls, stay alone in a room and avoid contacting family members or lawyers.
Fraudsters then seek bank statements and personal information before demanding money under the pretext of verification, bail, security deposits or temporary transfers of funds for investigation.
They may also pressure victims to break fixed deposits or take loans.
Hyderabad City Police said the Cyber Crime Police Station, in coordination with local police stations, had conducted awareness programmes and door-to-door campaigns to educate citizens about such frauds. These efforts had contributed to a reduction in reported digital arrest cases, though some incidents continued to be reported.
The police advised citizens not to panic or transfer money in response to threatening calls or messages claiming to be from government agencies.
They clarified that no government agency or law-enforcement authority would demand money over phone or video calls and that there was no provision for a “digital arrest” in the legal system.
Citizens were advised to disconnect suspicious calls and independently verify claims through the concerned agency’s officially published contact details.
They were also urged not to isolate themselves at the caller’s instructions and to seek assistance from family members or trusted persons.
Police further advised the public to preserve evidence, including phone numbers, call logs, WhatsApp chats, video-call details, bank account information, transaction IDs and screenshots.
Victims of cyber financial fraud were urged to report incidents immediately, as prompt reporting could help authorities freeze transactions and recover some or all of the lost money.
The public can report cyber financial fraud through helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
TNT TS
