Hyderabad Retiree Loses Lakhs in Digital Arrest Cyber Scam

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Cyber Scammers Target 76-year-old Retiree in Hyderabad

A 76-year-old retired government employee in Hyderabad lost ₹80 lakh to cyber scammers who posed as officials from the telecom department and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The Scam

The scammers employed a “digital arrest” tactic, threatening the victim with arrest and legal action for alleged involvement in cybercrime activities.

The victim, a resident of Kakatiya Colony in Ranga Reddy district, received a call on March 5, 2026, from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be from the telecom department and alleged that a mobile phone purchased in Mumbai was being used for illegal activities. The scammer further claimed that a criminal case had already been registered against the victim.

The scammers then introduced a person posing as a CBI officer named Sachin Yadav, who alleged that a bank account had been opened in the victim’s name and used for large financial transactions linked to ₹2 crore in narcotics-related activities.

The scammers pressured the victim to cooperate with the supposed investigation. Another person, identifying himself as “Chief Investigation Officer Ajay Gupta,” joined the call and questioned the victim about a debit card allegedly issued by a bank with a balance of ₹80 lakh.

The scammers then sent a “bail form” through email and instructed the victim to fill it out while keeping the matter confidential.

The Scam Escalates

The scammers escalated the scheme by forcing the victim to join a video call, during which a person posing as a judge of a special court displayed forged documents allegedly issued by the Supreme Court.

The scammers warned the victim that he would face arrest and severe legal consequences if he failed to comply.

Fearing arrest and legal action, the victim transferred ₹80 lakh to the scammers. After realizing he had been cheated, he approached the police and filed a complaint. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

Warning to the Public

This incident highlights the growing trend of “digital arrest” scams in India, where scammers impersonate law-enforcement or government officials and pressure victims into transferring money by falsely claiming they are under investigation or virtual custody.

Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to these scams, which exploit their fear of legal consequences.

Police have urged the public to remain cautious about unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be government or law-enforcement officials and to report suspicious communications immediately.