Hyderabad, Oct 14 (IANS) After a 72-year-old woman in Hyderabad lost Rs 2.20 crore to fraudsters who threatened her with money laundering charges and displayed fake arrest warrant, Hyderabad Police has issued a fresh advisory cautioning citizens to stay alert against digital arrest fraud.
The woman, a resident of Nampally, received a video call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer, alleging that a parcel containing illegal drugs has been booked in the victim’s name and that a bank account linked to the victim is involved in money laundering.
The caller displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened to arrest her. On the pretext of security deposits, the victim was forced to transfer multiple amounts to different mule accounts. The victim suffered a total financial loss of Rs 2.20 crore.
After this and a couple of other cases in which the victims lost Rs 3.15 crore, the police have strongly advised the general public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to cyber criminals.
M. Srinivasulu, Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes & SIT), said in a press release on Wednesday that the Cyber Crime Police Station Hyderabad City, in coordination with the local police stations, has conducted several awareness programmes and door-to-door campaigns to educate citizens on digital arrest scams and their modus operandi, which contributed to a reduction in the number of reported digital arrest cases. However, a few such cases continue to be reported.
Digital arrest is a scam designed to extort money from victims using fear, deceit, and intimidation. Cyber criminals impersonate Police Officers, CBI, ED, Customs, TRAI, or other government authorities and threaten innocent citizens with arrest, criminal prosecution, or account freezing to coerce victims into paying a “fine” or “security deposit” to avoid legal action.
According to the police official, fraudsters contact victims through phone calls, WhatsApp, SMS, or video calls. They may claim that a mobile number, bank account, Aadhaar, parcel, or identity document has been linked to a criminal activity. The caller poses as an officer of the police, CBI, ED, NCB, customs, or another government agency. Fraudsters may use fake identity cards, forged notices, official-looking letterheads, logos, and fabricated case documents. They set up a fake police station with uniforms for video call backgrounds.
The victim is falsely accused of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, terror financing, illegal transactions, identity theft, or a money-laundering investigation. In some cases, the fraudster claims that a parcel containing illegal substances has been intercepted in the victim’s name.
The victim is instructed to remain on a continuous video call, stay alone in a room, keep the camera switched on, and avoid contacting family members, lawyers, or other persons. The fraudsters threaten immediate arrest, handcuffing, or harm to the victim’s reputation if instructions are disobeyed, the Additional Commissioner said.
Fraudsters demand bank statements, account balances, identity documents, and details of investments. They may send fabricated arrest warrants, court orders, or account-freezing notices to make the allegations appear genuine.
The victim is instructed to transfer money to designated bank accounts under the pretext of security deposits, verification of legitimate funds, bail, or temporary transfer of funds for investigation. If the funds are short, they coerce the victim to break the Fixed Deposits/Security bonds/apply for bank loans, etc. Fraudsters may promise to return the money after verification.
After receiving the money, the fraudsters may demand additional payments by inventing new charges or allegations. Eventually, they disconnect communications, block the victim, and become unreachable.
Additional Commissioner said citizens should educate their family members, particularly senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals, about digital arrest scams and their modus operandi. Family members should be advised to immediately inform a trusted family member whenever they receive such threatening calls or video calls and never transfer money or share financial or personal information under pressure.
Citizens have been urged not to panic if they receive threatening video calls or messages claiming to be from CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, Judiciary, Cyber Crime Police, Narcotics Bureau, FedEx, BSNL, TRAI, or similar agencies. No government agency or law enforcement authority will demand money over phone or video calls. There is no concept of “digital arrest” or online enquiry in the system.
They should end the suspicious call and contact the concerned agency through its officially published contact details. Do not allow the caller to isolate you or prevent you from seeking independent assistance. Always take support from your family members or a trusted person.
Save phone numbers, call logs, WhatsApp chats, video-call details, bank account information, transaction IDs, and screenshots to be taken immediately.
“If you fall victim to any such cyber fraud, immediate reporting can help in freezing and recovering part or all of your lost amount,” added the official.
–IANS
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