Retired Railways officer duped of ₹80 lakh in ‘digital arrest’ fraud in Uppal
HYDERABAD: A 68-year-old retired Group-A officer of Indian Railways was allegedly cheated of ₹80,50,280 in a “digital arrest” cyber fraud after scammers posed as officials from the Data Protection Board and Mumbai police, according to a complaint lodged within Uppal police station limits.
The complainant, resident of Uppal, stated that he received a call on March 7, 2026, from unknown mobile number. The caller allegedly introduced himself as a Data Protection Board officer and claimed misuse of the victim’s Aadhaar details.
The call was then escalated to persons impersonating police officials from Colaba police station. They allegedly intimidated the complainant using fabricated FIR details and conducted video calls to reinforce the claim of an ongoing investigation.
Fake documents used to gain trust
According to the complaint, the fraudsters sent forged documents, including fake bank statements, ATM card details and a fabricated Supreme Court directive. They allegedly coerced the victim into sharing personal and banking information, claiming it was required for a national-level investigation.
The accused then threatened arrest and instructed the complainant to transfer money into “suspect accounts” for verification. The victim transferred ₹44,50,280, ₹21,00,000 and ₹15,00,000 from his accounts.
Gold pledged, family funds arranged
The fraudsters allegedly forced the complainant to break fixed deposits, pledge gold ornaments and arrange additional funds. His son also transferred ₹20,00,000 as instructed by the callers.
The accused continued sending fake warrants, fabricated Reserve Bank of India letters and maintained persistent communication through phone calls and messaging platforms. The complainant later realised that all communications were fraudulent and that he had been deceived.
He reported losing a total of ₹80,50,280 and sought necessary action from police.
Police Precautionary Guidelines
Telangana police emphasize “digital arrest” is not legal, no real agency detains via video or demands money transfers.
Key tips:
- Never share OTPs, PINs, CVV, or bank details.
- Verify suspicious claims directly with official sources.
- Ignore threats from unknown calls claiming CBI, RBI, or police links.
- Cover webcams during video interactions.
- Report immediately within the “golden hour” via helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in to freeze funds.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Unit urges vigilance against spoofed IDs, fake documents, and panic tactics in these organized scams.
