A 90-year-old man in Hyderabad has allegedly lost Rs 18 lakh after cyber fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials threatened to arrest him in a fabricated money laundering case.
According to reports, the accused contacted the elderly man and claimed that he was under investigation for money laundering. They allegedly used threats of arrest to pressure him into sharing his bank details and transferring money.
The fraudsters reportedly demanded Rs 18 lakh, claiming the payment was necessary to help him avoid arrest. Believing that he was dealing with genuine CBI officials, the victim transferred the amount.
The man later realised that he had been cheated and approached the police. Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.
The case highlights how cybercriminals exploit fear of legal action to target unsuspecting victims, particularly senior citizens. In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies such as the CBI, police or Enforcement Directorate and falsely claim that victims are linked to criminal activities.
They may threaten arrest, conduct fake interrogations over phone or video calls, and demand money under the pretext of verification or settling a case.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that law enforcement agencies do not conduct digital arrests or demand money transfers to settle investigations.
People receiving such calls should avoid sharing banking details, OTPs or other financial information. They should independently verify the caller’s identity and report suspected cyber fraud by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
