An 83-year-old retired bank employee in Hyderabad has become the latest victim of a “digital arrest” scam, losing a staggering ₹80.64 lakh after falling prey to cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers.
According to police, the elderly man received a call from fraudsters who introduced themselves as officials from the police and cybercrime department. They claimed his bank account was linked to illegal activities such as money laundering and warned him that he could be arrested if he didn’t cooperate.
The callers pressured him to transfer his savings into accounts they controlled, assuring him that the money would be kept “safe” until the investigation was complete. Over several days, the victim made multiple transfers, eventually losing ₹80.64 lakh. It was only later, when the fraudsters stopped responding, that he realized he had been cheated.
Investigators say the scammers kept the victim under constant pressure, even forcing him to stay on long video calls where they showed fake documents with government seals to make the threat appear real. They also instructed him not to discuss the matter with family members, a tactic commonly used in such scams to isolate victims.
What Is a “Digital Arrest” Scam?
In a digital arrest scam, criminals impersonate police, CBI, or enforcement officials. Victims are told they face immediate arrest unless they transfer money for “verification.” Many elderly people, unfamiliar with cybercrime tricks, panic and comply.
Police Advisory
Hyderabad cybercrime police have urged citizens, especially senior citizens, not to trust such calls. “Law enforcement agencies never ask people to transfer money to avoid arrest,” an official said. Victims are advised to immediately contact 1930, the national cybercrime helpline, if they receive such suspicious calls.
This case is among a growing number of “digital arrest” scams reported in Hyderabad in recent months, with losses running into crores. Authorities have stepped up awareness campaigns, but experts say family members also need to educate and support older relatives so they don’t fall prey to such tactics.