Hyderabad Woman Falls Victim to Fake Digital Arrest Scam

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A 68-year-old woman in Hyderabad lost ₹21 lakh after being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement agencies.

Incident Overview

A 68-year-old woman in Hyderabad allegedly lost ₹21 lakh after being targeted by cybercriminals who impersonated law enforcement agencies, threatening her with a fabricated “digital arrest” and conducting a simulated interrogation via video call. The incident unfolded when the victim, a resident of R.K. Puram Colony, received a call from an individual claiming to be a telecom official named Prasad. Following this initial contact, another suspect identified as Rajesh Kumar contacted her, presenting himself as a legal advisor.

Fraudster Tactics

The fraudsters allegedly informed the woman that her name was linked to illicit activities, warning her of potential arrest. During the interaction, the perpetrators posed as police and CBI officials, subjecting the victim to a staged interrogation through video calls. They reportedly applied psychological pressure by repeatedly threatening legal consequences, prompting the woman to comply with their demands.

Victim’s Response

As a result, she transferred ₹21 lakh to multiple bank accounts linked to the scam. The fraudsters continued to pressure her for additional funds even after receiving the initial transfer. The victim disclosed the situation to her son on September 5, after which he reported the case to cybercrime authorities.

Investigation Details

Law enforcement agencies are investigating the financial transactions involved, focusing on the bank accounts used to receive the stolen funds. The case highlights a multi-stage deception involving identity impersonation, coercive tactics, and digital communication tools. Investigators are examining the methods used to target the victim, including the use of fabricated legal claims to manipulate her into transferring assets.

Case Significance

The incident underscores the growing prevalence of scams leveraging fake authority figures and psychological intimidation to exploit individuals. The case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals to defraud vulnerable populations.