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Cybercriminals in Andhra Pradesh have targeted two senior citizens, duping them of nearly ₹2 crore in separate incidents. In both cases, the fraudsters posed as government officials or investment experts to trap the victims. Police have registered FIRs and launched investigations into the scams.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Retired Professor Loses ₹30 Lakh to Fake Police Call
In the first case, an 80-year-old retired professor from Visakhapatnam received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Bengaluru police officer. The caller alleged that a bank account had been opened in the professor’s name in Mumbai, containing ₹3 crore, linked to a person accused of human trafficking.
Another fraudster, posing as an official from the Ministry of Finance, instructed the professor to transfer ₹30 lakh as TDS on the deposit, warning him not to disclose the transaction. Believing the calls to be genuine, the professor withdrew his life savings and transferred the money. Only later did he realise he had been duped and approached the cybercrime police.
70-Year-Old Investor Loses ₹1.6 Crore in Online Trading Scam
In a second incident, a 70-year-old man from Vizag fell prey to an online investment scam. While searching for stock market tips, he clicked on an advertisement for online trading, after which he was added to a WhatsApp group and attended a related webinar.
Fraudsters instructed him to download a fake trading app. Initially, he invested ₹40 lakh, which the app falsely displayed as high returns. When he tried to withdraw the profits, the scammers demanded additional payments for charges and taxes. Believing them, he ended up transferring over ₹1.6 crore, only to later discover he had been scammed.
Police Warning: Fear, Confusion, and Greed – Common Tools of Fraudsters
Authorities noted that cybercriminals are increasingly using fake police, court, and government identities to intimidate seniors. Meanwhile, in investment scams, promises of high guaranteed returns are being used to lure victims.
Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) Issues Advisory
The Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), a leading cybercrime research body, warned that:
- Government agencies never ask for bank details or money over the phone.
- Seniors should stay away from apps or WhatsApp/Telegram groups promising guaranteed returns.
- Always verify the SEBI registration or official legitimacy of any trading platform.
These incidents underscore the growing risk to senior citizens’ savings from sophisticated cyber scams. Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious calls or apps to the cybercrime authorities.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
