A 71-year-old man from Hyderabad has lost ₹1.92 crore (approximately $230,000 USD) in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam. Cyber fraudsters impersonating CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) officers targeted the man, claiming his Aadhaar card was linked to illegal activities.
The scam unfolded when the victim received a call from individuals posing as CBI officials. They falsely informed him that a case had been registered against him for the misuse of his Aadhaar card, alleging it was connected to a bank account involved in illegal operations. To appear legitimate, the scammers sent the man a fake FIR (First Information Report) via his phone. This tactic aimed to instill fear and coerce him into cooperating with their demands.
Under the guise of avoiding arrest, the fraudsters pressured the victim to transfer funds into various bank accounts. Between November 7 and November 14, the man, fearing legal repercussions, transferred a total of ₹1.92 crore to the accounts provided by the scammers.
Following the incident, the victim filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Cybercrime police, who registered a case and initiated an investigation. Authorities traced the flow of the stolen money and identified the bank accounts used in the fraudulent transactions. This led to the arrest of three men who allegedly supplied the bank accounts to the scam operators. The arrested individuals were identified as Pandu Vinith Raj, 24, G Thirupathaiah, 40, and Gouni Vishwanatham, 46. Police stated that these individuals facilitated the scam by providing access to their accounts.
The Cybercrime police emphasized that digital arrest scams often employ fake documents and official-sounding threats to deceive victims. This case highlights the increasing trend of cybercriminals misusing government identities and exploiting fear to defraud citizens. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited calls, especially those claiming to be from law enforcement agencies like the CBI. Law enforcement agencies have also clarified that they would never demand money to resolve a case.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the primary individuals behind the scam. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and caution when dealing with unsolicited communications and requests for financial transfers, especially from individuals claiming to be government or law enforcement officials.
In March 2025, the Cyber Crime Unit in Hyderabad helped a 71-year-old retired government employee recover ₹36.5 lakh of the ₹43 lakh lost in a similar scam. In that instance, the victim was manipulated by fraudsters posing as representatives of a FedEx Courier service.
