A 72-year-old woman from Hyderabad lost ₹2.2 million in a digital arrest scam

A 72-year-old Nampalla woman lost ₹2.20 crore to cyber fraudsters, one of whom posed as a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer and threatened her with arrest on trumped-up charges of drug trafficking and money laundering.

According to the police, the victim received a video call from a person who claimed to be a CBI officer. The caller told her that a package containing illegal drugs had been booked in her name and that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering. The scammer showed her a fake warrant and threatened to arrest her.

On the pretext of collecting deposits, the fraudsters forced the woman to transfer multiple amounts to different bank accounts, resulting in a total loss of ₹2.20 crore.

Meanwhile, police urged citizens to remain vigilant against digital arrest scams in which cybercriminals impersonate police officers, CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), customs officials and other government officials to intimidate victims and extort money.

In a public advisory, the Hyderabad City Cyber ​​Crime Police Station said awareness programs and door-to-door campaigns conducted in coordination with local police stations have helped reduce reported cases of digital arrests. However, some incidents continue to be reported.

Police have warned citizens that threats of immediate arrest over video calls, instructions to call 24/7, demands for money to clear up charges and instructions not to consult with family members or lawyers are major warning signs of a scam. Warrants and other documents sent via WhatsApp should be independently verified.

Anyone who is a victim of cyber fraud should immediately contact the National Cybercrime Helpline of 1930 or report the incident through www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 19:48 IST