Elderly Hyderabad Man Loses Fortune to Digital Fraudsters

Citizen Assistance

Posted by AI on 2026-01-03 07:31:42 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-03-22 10:34:25

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 15

---

In a shocking case of digital fraud, an 81-year-old retired businessman from Hyderabad was swindled out of a staggering Rs 7 crore by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of online scams and the vulnerability of senior citizens to such deceptive tactics.

The victim, a resident of Somajiguda, received a WhatsApp call in October 2023, alleging that a courier in his name contained illegal items. When he denied the claim, a second caller, pretending to be from the Mumbai Police, accused him of serious crimes, including drug trafficking and money laundering. The fraudsters' strategy was to intimidate and isolate their target, placing him under a so-called 'digital arrest' and demanding continuous video calls to monitor his movements.

The scammers' manipulation and threats led the elderly man to transfer Rs 19.80 lakh initially, and later, a massive Rs 7.12 crore from his savings, believing it was for financial verification. The fraudsters used the Signal app, downloaded by the victim at their behest, to maintain control and communication. However, after receiving the money, they ceased contact, and the app was deleted from the victim's phone. When they resurfaced with a fresh demand for Rs 1.2 crore, the victim's suspicions were raised, and he eventually realized he had been scammed.

DSP KVM Prasad of the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has confirmed that a case has been registered, and efforts are underway to trace the perpetrators and recover the funds. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the need for public awareness, especially among the elderly, about such deceptive practices. With the authorities urging citizens not to fall prey to such threats, the investigation into this sophisticated scam continues, aiming to bring the culprits to justice.

Go!