Digital Arrest Scam Shocks Hyderabad: 81-Year-Old Loses ₹7 Crore in One of India’s Biggest Cyber Frauds
As India rapidly adapts to the digital world, cybercriminals are evolving just as fast — and becoming more dangerous. A shocking cyber fraud case from Hyderabad has once again exposed how fear, technology, and fake authority can be used to destroy lives. In this case, an 81-year-old retired man was duped of more than ₹7 crore through a well-planned “digital arrest” cyber scam.
The incident has triggered serious concerns among law enforcement agencies and the public, especially regarding the safety of senior citizens in the digital age.
The fraud reportedly started on October 27, 2025, when the elderly victim received a call on WhatsApp. The caller claimed to be an employee of a courier company and alleged that a parcel sent from Mumbai to Thailand was booked in the victim’s name.
According to the caller, the parcel contained illegal drugs, a laptop, and multiple passports. When the victim denied any knowledge of the shipment, the call was transferred to another individual — who introduced himself as a senior officer from Mumbai Police.
This marked the beginning of a two-month-long psychological trap.
The fake police officer accused the victim of serious crimes, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and links to terrorist activities. To intensify the fear, the victim was told that he had been placed under “digital arrest”, meaning he was not allowed to communicate freely or leave his home.
The fraudsters warned him that his financial records were under investigation. Under extreme mental pressure, the victim was instructed to transfer money for “verification purposes.”
Initially, he was made to transfer ₹19.80 lakh.
On October 29, the scammers forced the victim to install the Signal app, an encrypted messaging platform. Through this app, the fraudsters monitored his movements and communications, ensuring he stayed isolated and obedient.
Over the next several weeks, the scammers coerced the elderly man into breaking his fixed deposits and redeeming mutual fund investments. Every transaction was justified as part of the so-called investigation.
In total, the victim transferred ₹7.12 crore to multiple accounts controlled by the scammers.
To maintain trust, the fraudsters repeatedly assured the victim that all the money would be returned once the investigation was completed. This false promise kept him compliant and silent.
On December 29, the scammers contacted him again, demanding an additional ₹1.2 crore to “close the case permanently.”
This final demand raised suspicion.
By coincidence, the elderly man had recently read newspaper reports about digital arrest scams targeting senior citizens. The similarities between those cases and his own situation made him realize that he had been cheated.
He immediately approached the authorities and filed a complaint. An investigation has now been launched to trace the accused and recover the funds.
This incident highlights how cybercriminals are:
Misusing fake police identities
Exploiting fear and isolation
Targeting elderly and educated individuals
Using encrypted apps to avoid detection
Law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to remain alert and remember that no police authority conducts arrests or investigations over video calls or messaging apps.
Police never demand money over calls or apps
“Digital arrest” has no legal validity
Never share financial details under pressure
Avoid installing apps on instructions from unknown callers
Always verify with local police or family members
