Hyderabad Police Crack Down on Fake Death Scam and Cyber Fraudsters, 7 Arrested

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Indian Authorities Dismantle Sophisticated Cybercrime Network

A nationwide operation conducted by the Malkajgiri Cyber Crime Police has resulted in the arrest of seven individuals involved in multiple cyber fraud cases, including a complex fake death extortion scam. The arrests were made between February 15 and February 21, 2026, and authorities have recovered ₹31,72,966, which will be refunded to the affected victims.

Modus Operandi of the Scammers

The scammers operated a sophisticated online deception network that targeted individuals on social media platforms, particularly through friendship and matrimonial approaches. In one notable case, a victim was befriended by a woman using the fake identity “Sonia,” who claimed to be suffering from a serious medical condition and requested urgent financial help. After the victim made initial payments, the scammers introduced another fabricated identity, “Shruthi,” who promised marriage to the victim and repeatedly demanded money citing personal emergencies.

The Scam Escalated

The scam escalated when associates of the network contacted the victim, falsely informing him that Sonia had died and threatening him with police action unless he transferred additional money. The investigation revealed that the entire story was fabricated as part of a coordinated extortion strategy.

Arrests and Investigation

Three main suspects, Thorthi Shashi Kumar, Thorthi Vamshi, and Gampala Sravan, were arrested following technical surveillance and financial tracing. The accused were involved in matrimonial fraud and intimidation-based extortion. The investigation uncovered multiple linked transactions and bank account chains used to move illegal money across different regions of India.

Authorities warned that such account renting practices are illegal and often serve as key infrastructure for cybercrime syndicates. Citizens were advised not to share personal banking information, OTPs, or identity documents with strangers. The cybercrime unit also highlighted the growing trend of online investment scams promising unusually high returns and urged people to verify financial platforms through authorized regulatory bodies before investing money online.

Operation and Investigation

The operation was part of a larger strategy to dismantle interstate cybercrime networks operating across multiple states. Cybersecurity experts noted that such frauds are becoming more sophisticated, combining psychological manipulation with technical anonymity tools. Investigators continue to track additional suspects associated with the racket, and further arrests are expected as the probe progresses.

Public Awareness

Authorities emphasized that public awareness remains the most effective defense against cyber fraud, urging citizens to immediately report suspicious online activities to law enforcement agencies.