Hyderabad, Oct. 14: A 72-year-old woman from Nampally allegedly lost ₹2.20 crore to cyber fraudsters who impersonated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer and threatened her with arrest.
According to Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes) M Srinivasulu, the fraudsters contacted the woman through a video call. They claimed that someone had booked a parcel containing illegal drugs in her name.
The callers also alleged that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering. They displayed a fake arrest warrant to make their claims appear genuine.
The fraudsters threatened her with arrest and criminal prosecution. They then pressured her into transferring money to multiple bank accounts, claiming the payments were security deposits to avoid legal action.
Police said the woman suffered a total financial loss of ₹2.20 crore.
Hyderabad Digital Arrest Scam | Police Warn Against Digital Arrest Scams
Hyderabad police said cybercriminals frequently impersonate officials from the CBI, police departments and other government agencies to intimidate victims.
They use phone calls, WhatsApp messages and video calls to accuse people of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering or other crimes.
Fraudsters often display fake identity cards, forged notices and fabricated court documents to make their threats appear credible.
In several cases, they force victims to remain on continuous video calls and instruct them not to contact family members or lawyers. They may also demand bank statements and investment details before pressuring victims to transfer money.
Police warned that demands for money under the pretext of security deposits, bail or verification of funds are major warning signs of cyber fraud.
Authorities have urged people to independently verify suspicious claims and avoid transferring money in response to threats made over phone or video calls.
Anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.
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