Hyderabad: Three elderly residents lost a combined Rs 1.89 crore after cyber fraudsters allegedly posed as law enforcement officials and placed them under a ‘digital arrest’ in separate incidents.
The victims were reportedly threatened with fake cases involving Aadhaar-linked SIM cards, illegal activities and money laundering. The fraudsters then allegedly pressured them into transferring their savings for supposed verification.
Elderly Woman Loses Rs 88.8 Lakh in 25 Transactions
According to the Malkajgiri cybercrime police, a 74-year-old retired employee approached the police after allegedly losing Rs 88.8 lakh to cyber fraudsters.
The woman said she received a call on July 21 from a person claiming to represent the Data Protection Board of India.
The caller allegedly told her that a SIM card had been obtained using her Aadhaar details and had been used for illegal activities.
The fraudsters subsequently linked her to a money laundering case and allegedly threatened her with legal action.
Under pressure, the woman transferred her savings in 25 separate transactions, amounting to Rs 88.8 lakh.
Sainikpuri Man Transfers Rs 68.8 Lakh
In another case, a 67-year-old retired employee from Sainikpuri was allegedly targeted using a similar method.
Fraudsters reportedly told him that a SIM card issued using his Aadhaar had been involved in illegal activities.
They allegedly threatened him with legal consequences and convinced him to transfer money for verification.
The victim transferred Rs 68.8 lakh between August 6 and August 12, police said.
Kondapur Pastor Loses Rs 31.61 Lakh
A 73-year-old pastor from Kondapur was also allegedly targeted by cyber fraudsters.
The victim was reportedly accused of harassing women and being involved in a money laundering case.
The fraudsters allegedly used the threats to pressure him into transferring money. He ultimately transferred Rs 31.61 lakh.
The three cases together resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 1.89 crore.
Police are investigating the transactions and the identities of those behind the fraud. Cybercrime officials have repeatedly warned people, particularly senior citizens, against transferring money to callers claiming to be police officers or other government officials.
Authorities have also advised people to remember that no legitimate government agency places individuals under “digital arrest” or demands money for online verification.
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