Hyderabad senior citizen loses over ₹7 Cr in ‘Digital Arrest’ cyber scam

An 81-year-old man from Hyderabad was cheated out of more than ₹7 crore by cyber fraudsters who trapped him using a so-called “digital arrest” scam. The criminals impersonated Mumbai police officers, intimidated the elderly man, and siphoned off ₹7.12 crore from him over a period of two months. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has registered a case and launched an investigation.

According to police officials, the fraud began on October 27 last year when the victim received a phone call from a person claiming to be from a courier company. The caller alleged that a parcel sent in the victim’s name from Mumbai to Thailand contained illegal items such as MDMA drugs, passports, and debit and credit cards.

Soon after, the call was supposedly “transferred” to Mumbai police. Another person then contacted the elderly man, posing as a senior police officer. He falsely accused the victim of being involved in serious crimes including drug trafficking, money laundering, and even terrorism.

The fraudster told the victim that to avoid arrest, his bank accounts and investments had to be “verified.” Under the pretext of verification, the victim was instructed to transfer money to accounts provided by the criminals. He was assured that the amount would be returned once the inquiry proved his innocence. The scammers also warned him not to share the matter with anyone, creating intense fear and pressure.

Under continuous threats, the elderly man transferred ₹7.12 crore in multiple transactions over two months. When the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹1.2 crore, he became suspicious and realised he had been cheated. He approached the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau on December 30, following which a case was registered. Police said the victim is a former businessman.

A digital arrest is a form of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate police or investigative officers and threaten victims through phone or video calls. By creating fear of arrest and legal action, they manipulate people into transferring large sums of money. Police have advised the public to remain alert and remember that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests or financial “verifications” over phone or video calls.