Telangana loses ₹60 crore to rising digital arrest frauds
HYDERABAD: The term ‘digital arrest’ has become a source of fear for many across Telangana — from common citizens to the affluent — as cybercriminals exploit it to extort money under the guise of law enforcement.
Cyber gangs pose as probe agencies
Scammers claiming to be from the Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or Enforcement Directorate (ED) are targeting victims through fake video calls, often dressed as police officers. They allege that parcels containing drugs or fake SIM cards are linked to the victims and demand money to “settle” cases.
Between January and September this year, 933 people in Telangana lost ₹60 crore to such scams. Most victims were retired employees and women. Last year, 3,037 cases were reported across the state, with losses totalling ₹177 crore.
Supreme Court orders CBI probe
Taking note of the rising number of digital arrest cases, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the CBI to investigate such offences nationwide and recommended immediate preventive measures.
North-based gangs target southern states
Police said cyber gangs from Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, Gurugram, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are extending their operations into southern states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Since fewer people in the South understand Hindi, criminals exploit this gap, believing victims will hesitate to question them.
Hyderabad MLA loses ₹1.07 crore
A Telangana MLA from Andhra Pradesh, residing in Hyderabad, was duped earlier this month. On October 10, he received a call from someone claiming to be from the Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch.
The caller accused him of opening bank accounts with fake Aadhaar cards and SIMs for money laundering. Later, two men posing as “officers” from the CBI and Cyber Crime Branch appeared on a video call, showing a fake arrest warrant.
Fearing arrest, the MLA transferred ₹1.07 crore over five days, followed by another demand of ₹60 lakh for a “court clearance certificate.” He later lodged a complaint with Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police.
Officials urge caution
“Law enforcement agencies never use the term ‘digital arrest.’ If you receive such calls, do not panic. Verify details and report immediately,” said Shikha Goel, Director, Cyber Security Bureau.
Citizens have been urged to call 1930 or file complaints on www.cybercrime.gov.in if they suspect fraud. Police also advised against sharing bank details or OTPs under any circumstances.
