A 72-year-old woman from Nampally in Hyderabad lost ₹2.20 crore after cyber fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials threatened to arrest her over fabricated allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering, police said on October 14.
The victim received a video call from a person claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller told her that a parcel containing illegal drugs had been booked in her name and that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering.
The fraudsters then displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened her with arrest. Under the pretext of collecting security deposits, they coerced the woman into transferring multiple amounts to different bank accounts. The transfers totalled ₹2.20 crore, according to the report.
The case highlights the method used in so-called digital arrest scams, in which criminals impersonate officials from agencies including the police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Customs and other government departments. Victims are intimidated through allegations of serious offences and pressured to make immediate payments.
The Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad City, has urged residents to remain vigilant. In a public advisory, the police said that awareness programmes and door-to-door campaigns conducted in coordination with local police stations had contributed to a reduction in reported digital arrest cases. However, incidents continue to be reported.
Police identified several warning signs of such fraud. These include threats of immediate arrest over video calls, instructions to remain on continuous calls, demands for money to clear allegations and directions not to consult family members or lawyers.
The police also cautioned citizens to independently verify arrest warrants and other documents sent through WhatsApp. A demand for money from an agency or official to prevent arrest should be treated as a major warning sign, rather than as a legitimate legal process.
Anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud should immediately contact the National Cybercrime Helpline on 1930 or report the incident through www.cybercrime.gov.in. The Hyderabad police’s warning comes as local authorities continue awareness and door-to-door outreach aimed at preventing further digital arrest cases.
