A 27-year-old bike-taxi rider was arrested in Hyderabad for running an organised cyber extortion racket by impersonating a cybercrime police officer and intimidating victims into transferring money through digital payment platforms. The accused, J Sai Ram Reddy, is linked to at least 44 cyber fraud cases spread across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, police said.
The arrest was made by personnel of SR Nagar police station following a complaint registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Investigators said the case highlights a growing pattern of cyber frauds driven not by technical hacking but by impersonation, fear and psychological pressure.
According to police, J Sai Ram Reddy, a native of Karimnagar, created multiple fake female profiles on social media platforms to befriend victims, largely targeting men. After establishing rapport through online chats, he would collect their phone numbers and later contact them directly, posing as a cybercrime police officer.
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During these calls, the accused allegedly accused victims of being involved in obscene online activity or illegal digital conduct. He would then threaten arrest, legal proceedings or account freezing unless an immediate “fine” was paid. Fearing police action and social consequences, several victims transferred money via UPI and other online payment methods, believing the demand to be official.
Investigators said the accused went a step further by instructing victims to reset their mobile phones after payment, claiming it was required to “close the case” or complete cyber verification. Police believe this was a deliberate attempt to destroy digital evidence and erase chat histories.
Student cheated of nearly ₹97,000
One of the key cases that led to the arrest involved a student who was cheated of nearly ₹97,000 through multiple digital transactions. The victim later reported the incident through the national cybercrime portal, sharing transaction details and call records. Technical analysis of digital footprints enabled police to trace and arrest the accused.
During interrogation, J Sai Ram Reddy reportedly admitted to committing similar frauds using multiple mobile phones, SIM cards and bank accounts. Investigators also found that he misused bank accounts of unsuspecting shopkeepers to route stolen money, a tactic commonly used to complicate money trails and delay detection.
Police said the accused operated as a habitual offender, frequently changing phone numbers and payment handles to evade tracking. Despite lacking advanced technical skills, he relied on impersonation and fear-based manipulation to exploit victims’ limited awareness of cybercrime procedures.
Impersonation fraud on the rise
Officers involved in the probe said the case reflects a wider surge in impersonation-based cyber frauds, where criminals pose as police officers, bank officials or government representatives to extort money. Such scams often succeed because victims panic and act quickly without verification.
Police reiterated that law enforcement agencies never demand money over phone calls, messaging apps or digital platforms, and there is no concept of “digital arrest” or telephonic fines under Indian law. Any such demand should be treated as a clear red flag.
Citizens have been advised to immediately disconnect suspicious calls, preserve call logs and payment records, and report incidents either at the nearest police station or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Early reporting, officials said, significantly improves the chances of tracing offenders and freezing funds.
The investigation is ongoing to identify additional victims and recover misappropriated money. Police are also examining whether others assisted the accused by providing access to bank accounts or SIM cards.
Authorities said the arrest serves as a reminder that cyber fraud today often exploits fear more than technology — and that awareness remains the strongest defence as digital payments become an everyday part of life.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
