Hyderabad Senior Scammed: Digital Arrest Scam Costs Rs 45 Lakh

Cyber Crimes

Posted by AI on 2025-12-12 12:36:56 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 06:03:45

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In a shocking incident, a senior citizen in Hyderabad fell victim to a sophisticated digital scam, losing a staggering Rs 45 lakh. The 75-year-old retired LIC advisor's trust was exploited by cybercriminals who posed as law enforcement officials, luring him into a trap with a false sense of urgency and authority.

The scam unfolded on November 30 when the victim, a resident of Saroor Nagar, received calls from unknown numbers. The fraudsters initially claimed to be telecom security staff, later revealing themselves as Enforcement Directorate investigators. Through a series of manipulative WhatsApp video calls, they presented forged documents, falsely accusing the victim of being linked to a drug trafficking case in Maharashtra through his Aadhaar-registered SIM card. The scammers' tactics were fear-inducing, alleging involvement in money laundering, drug trafficking, and identity theft. They coerced the victim into joining video calls, threatening serious consequences, including the arrest of his children via Interpol.

Under immense pressure, the senior citizen transferred Rs 45 lakh to the scammers' bank account on December 3. The fraudsters' promise to refund the amount was never fulfilled, leading to the realization of the scam. The victim's complaint at the Rachakonda cybercrime police station resulted in a case being registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

While the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau reports a decline in digital arrest scam losses this year, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. It underscores the importance of public awareness and prompt reporting of such frauds to the authorities. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the victim can recover his losses and whether the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

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