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An elderly couple from Tadepalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district has allegedly lost ₹2.01 crore after cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officials threatened them with legal action in a fabricated criminal case. The couple transferred the money to bank accounts specified by the fraudsters before realising they had been cheated.
Guntur district cybercrime police are investigating the incident and attempting to identify those responsible.
How Did the Fraudsters Target the Elderly Couple?
According to the complaint, the couple received telephone calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials. The callers alleged that a criminal case had been registered against them in Bengaluru and warned that they could face serious legal consequences.
The suspects reportedly used their claimed official authority to intimidate the couple and convince them that they were involved in a criminal investigation.
The fraudsters allegedly kept the victims engaged in prolonged telephone conversations, repeatedly referring to the supposed criminal case and creating fear about possible legal action.
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The couple believed the threats were genuine and continued communicating with the callers, unaware that they were being targeted in an alleged digital arrest scam.
How Did the Couple Lose ₹2.01 Crore?
The fraudsters allegedly persuaded the couple to transfer money into bank accounts provided during the conversations.
Believing that they were dealing with genuine law enforcement officials, the victims complied with the instructions and transferred a total of ₹2.01 crore.
The transfers were reportedly made under pressure created by the threats of criminal proceedings. The couple subsequently realised that the callers had deceived them and approached the police to report the incident.
The case highlights how fraudsters can exploit fear of arrest and criminal prosecution to persuade victims to transfer substantial amounts of money.
What Action Have Cybercrime Police Taken?
Following the complaint, Guntur district cybercrime officials began investigating the alleged fraud. Investigators are working to trace the individuals who contacted the couple and identify the bank accounts used to receive the money.
The financial transactions are also central to efforts to establish where the funds were transferred and identify those involved in the suspected operation. The alleged criminal case in Bengaluru was a claim made by the fraudsters to intimidate the victims. There is no confirmation that such a case actually existed.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to identify the suspects and trace the money.
How Can People Avoid Digital Arrest Scams?
Cybercriminals frequently impersonate law enforcement personnel and use threats of arrest to pressure victims into transferring money. Citizens should take basic precautions when receiving such calls.
Never transfer money to someone claiming it is necessary to avoid arrest or settle a criminal investigation. Independently verify suspicious claims through official police channels and avoid sharing banking credentials or personal information with unknown callers.
Anyone who loses money to cyber fraud should immediately contact their bank and report the incident through the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
