Hyderabad, Sept. 28: A 90-year-old man in Hyderabad allegedly lost Rs 18 lakh after cyber fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers threatened him with arrest in a fake money laundering case.
The incident is a suspected digital arrest scam, in which criminals impersonate law enforcement officials and use threats and intimidation to extort money from victims.
According to police officials, the fraudsters contacted the elderly man and claimed that he was involved in a money laundering case. They allegedly threatened to arrest him and asked him to share his bank details.
The accused then demanded Rs 18 lakh, claiming the payment would help him avoid arrest. Believing that he was speaking to a genuine CBI officer, the victim transferred the money.
He reportedly believed the amount would be returned after the alleged verification process. However, he realised that he had been cheated after making the transfer and approached the police.
Elderly Man Lost Money In Digital Arrest Scam | Cybercrime Police Begin Investigation
Hyderabad Cybercrime police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the fraud.
The case highlights the continuing threat posed by digital arrest scams, particularly to senior citizens. In such frauds, criminals often pose as police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate or other government officials and claim that the victim’s identity or bank accounts are linked to a serious crime.
The fraudsters then threaten the victim with arrest or legal action and demand money for supposed verification, bail or settlement.
Earlier this year, an 81-year-old retired businessman from Hyderabad reportedly lost Rs 7.12 crore in a similar digital arrest scam. Fraudsters posing as Mumbai Police officers allegedly threatened him with cases involving drug trafficking, money laundering and terrorism.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that genuine law enforcement agencies do not conduct arrests through phone or video calls or demand money transfers as part of an investigation.
People receiving suspicious calls should avoid sharing bank details, OTPs or other financial information. They should immediately contact their family members, local police or report the fraud through the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
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