Hyderabad: A 72-year-old woman from Nampally lost Rs 2.20 crore in a Hyderabad digital arrest scam involving fraudsters posing as CBI officers. The cybercriminals contacted her through a video call and accused her of involvement in serious criminal activities. They claimed someone had booked a parcel containing illegal drugs in her name.
Additionally, the callers alleged that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering. They displayed a forged arrest warrant and threatened her with arrest. The fraudsters then demanded money for security deposits and verification of funds. Under pressure, the woman transferred Rs 2.20 crore through multiple transactions into different mule bank accounts.
Hyderabad digital arrest scam: Police issue warning
Following the incident, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police warned residents against fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers. Police said criminals frequently posed as officials from the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Customs Department and other government agencies.
Moreover, the fraudsters used forged identity cards, fake documents and fabricated police station backgrounds during video calls. They also forced victims to remain on continuous calls and discouraged contact with family members. Subsequently, they demanded money for verification, bail or security deposits.
Police clarified that no legal procedure called a digital arrest existed. They stressed that genuine law enforcement agencies never demanded payments over telephone or video calls to prevent arrests. The Hyderabad digital arrest scam also prompted police to advise citizens against sharing sensitive banking information.
Officials urged residents to disconnect suspicious calls and verify allegations independently through official channels. They also advised people to inform trusted family members about such threats. Furthermore, police warned citizens never to disclose OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking credentials to unknown callers.
Victims of financial cybercrime were advised to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930. Alternatively, they could register complaints through the official portal, [www.cybercrime.gov.in](https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/). Police said prompt complaints could help authorities freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the chances of recovering stolen funds.