Beware of Digital Arrests: How Cybercriminals Exploit Fear to Steal Millions | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: a new type cyber scams has become widespread across the country, with criminals posing as law enforcement officers and scaring people by ‘placing them under’Digital arrest‘. Because many victims lost large sums of money, PM Narendra Modi recently highlighted the issue in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast warning citizens not to fall for such scams
How the scam works
First contact: Scammers first send a text message, email or WhatsApp text. The message states that the recipient’s name or phone number is associated with criminal acts such as pornography, drug trafficking or money laundering. They are instructed to call a specific number to avoid ‘digital arrest’.
Impersonation via video calls: Once the victim responds, scammers initiate a video call via platforms such as Skype or WhatsApp, posing as officials from agencies such as Maharashtra PoliceCentral Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) or Customs. Scammers use appropriate uniforms and background accessories such as government flags, logos or VHF radio sounds to make the video call look legitimate.
False accusations: During the conversation, scammers accuse the victim of serious crimes, such as money laundering, involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs or receiving contraband. Sometimes fraudsters posing as police officers claim that a family member has been arrested or is involved.
Constant surveillance and harassment: Scammers are constantly present on the call and demand that the victim remain on video as a form of “monitoring” or “verification.” The modus operandi is to keep the victim in a heightened state of anxiety and pressure, preventing him or her from communicating with others or thinking clearly.
Extortion as a solution: Once the victim is sufficiently intimidated, the scammers demand money to “clear” the charges. Cyber ​​fraudsters instruct the victim to transfer large sums of money to the accounts they provide, which are usually mule accounts.
Preventive measures
Be skeptical: Legitimate government agencies will not conduct investigations or arrests over video calls
Protect personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive data that could be misused
Never wire money: Law enforcement agencies do not require payments for case dismissals
Report suspicious calls: Immediately report any suspicious interaction to local police or use cybercrime helplines such as 1930 or report on cybercrime.gov.in
Collect evidence: People who receive these calls should record suspicious conversations or take screenshots as possible evidence
Case studies
Retired consultant loses ₹2 cr
Hyderabad-based AV Mohan Rao, a 79-year-old retired consultant, lost ₹2 crore to scammers posing as Mumbai Police officers. The criminals handed him a fabricated digital arrest warrant with seals of the Supreme Court and other government agencies. They alleged that his Aadhaar details and phone number were linked to money laundering and illegal activities. Under pressure, Rao provided his bank details and was forced to transfer ₹2 crore in three separate transactions.
Elderly woman robbed of ₹5.9 cr
An 85-year-old woman from Hyderabad was duped by criminals and forced to transfer ₹5.9 crore after scammers posed as cybercrime officials from Mumbai. They alleged that her Aadhaar data was linked to high-profile money laundering cases involving public figures. They pressured her to transfer money and convinced her that failure to comply would result in her digital arrest.