Hyderabad | January 6, 2026 | In yet another alarming example of India’s rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape, an 81-year-old retired businessman in Hyderabad was cheated of ₹7.12 crore after fraudsters trapped him in a so-called ‘digital arrest’. The accused allegedly posed as courier company staff and police officers, threatened the victim with serious criminal charges, and kept him under sustained psychological pressure for weeks, forcing him to transfer his life savings.
Following the complaint, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has registered a case and launched a detailed probe into financial transactions, call records and suspicious bank accounts linked to the fraud.
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A single call that triggered the trap
According to investigators, the ordeal began on October 27, 2025, when the victim received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number. The caller claimed to be an employee of a reputed courier company and alleged that a parcel booked in the businessman’s name for Thailand had been intercepted.
The caller said the package contained narcotics, forged passports and multiple credit cards, immediately creating panic. Within minutes, the call was allegedly transferred to persons claiming to be Mumbai Police officials, who took over the conversation.
Threats of grave criminal charges
The fraudsters, impersonating senior police officers, accused the elderly man of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering and terror-linked activities. He was told that the case had international ramifications and that a high-level investigation had already been initiated.
Using authoritative language and official-sounding procedures, the accused created an atmosphere of fear, convincing the victim that non-cooperation would lead to immediate arrest and public humiliation.
Held under ‘digital arrest’ on video call
The scammers then placed the victim under what they described as ‘digital arrest’, keeping him continuously connected through video calls. He was instructed not to disconnect, not to leave his house, and—most critically—not to inform family members, bankers or lawyers.
Any attempt to share information, he was warned, would result in instant legal action. Under constant surveillance and mental stress, the victim gradually lost the ability to question the authenticity of the claims.
The fraudsters assured him that depositing money for “verification and investigation” was the only way to clear his name.
Fixed deposits and mutual funds liquidated
Between October 29 and December 5, 2025, the businessman made multiple RTGS transfers, sending a total of ₹7.12 crore to different bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. To arrange the funds, he broke fixed deposits and mutual fund investments accumulated over decades.
After every transfer, the accused reassured him that the case was nearing closure and that the funds would be returned once verification was complete.
Extra demand raises suspicion
The illusion finally collapsed on December 29, 2025, when the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹1.2 crore to formally “close the case”. By then, the victim had come across media reports detailing similar digital arrest scams.
Realising he had been deceived, he contacted the TGCSB on December 30–31, narrating the entire sequence of events and submitting transaction details.
What investigators are examining
The cyber bureau has begun analysing bank transaction trails, call detail records (CDRs), IP addresses and beneficiary accounts. Preliminary findings suggest the use of multi-layered banking channels, money mules and possibly overseas handlers.
Investigators are also examining whether the same network is linked to similar digital arrest cases reported in other states.
Why senior citizens are prime targets
Cybercrime experts say digital arrest scams rely heavily on fear, authority projection and enforced secrecy. Senior citizens, often unfamiliar with modern investigative procedures and digital communication norms, become easy targets.
By impersonating police, courts or enforcement agencies, fraudsters exploit trust and legal anxiety, ensuring victims comply without verification.
How to protect yourself from ‘digital arrest’ scams
- Law enforcement agencies do not arrest people via video calls
- No investigation requires money transfers for verification
- Be cautious of calls alleging serious crimes out of the blue
- Immediately consult family members, lawyers or banks
- Report suspicious calls to 1930 or your state cybercrime unit
A strong warning
The Hyderabad case underscores how highly sophisticated and psychologically manipulative digital arrest scams have become, causing losses worth crores of rupees. Cyber officials stress that early suspicion and prompt reporting remain the strongest defence.
The TGCSB investigation is ongoing, and authorities say efforts are underway to trace the money trail and identify the fraudsters behind the elaborate deception.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
