Yakutpura senior citizen loses Rs 21 lakh in digital arrest scam about ‘Aadhaar misuse’
They threatened arrest, fine and imprisonment, and pressured him to cooperate by transferring money for ‘verification.’
By Newsmeter Network
Yakutpura senior citizen loses Rs 21 lakh in digital arrest scam about ‘Aadhaar misuse’
Hyderabad: A 75-year-old resident of Yakutpura was cheated out of over Rs 21 lakh in a digital arrest scam.
According to the police complaint, on August 14, he received a call from scammers posing as police officers.
They claimed his Aadhaar was misused to open a bank account linked to a money laundering case. Through WhatsApp video calls, one impersonated an IPS officer in uniform, showing fake documents and warning him not to reveal the matter as it was a ‘national secret.’
They threatened arrest, fine and imprisonment, and pressured him to cooperate by transferring money for ‘verification.’
Believing their threats, he transferred Rs 21,01,650 in five RTGS/NEFT transactions between August 19 and September 2. The fraudsters even sent forged letters with government seals to gain his trust. When they demanded more money and did not refund, he realised it was a scam and lodged a complaint.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is on.
Public advisory on digital arrests
- Police or any law enforcement agency will never call you to inform you that you are under arrest.
- There is no such thing as ‘digital arrest.’
- No law enforcement agency will ask you to transfer money for verification or investigation.
- Cybercriminals are posing as officials from the CBI, police departments, or government agencies and falsely claiming that your bank account is involved in money laundering or financial crimes.
- They may share fake documents like CBI warrants, FIRs or even forged Supreme Court orders to create fear and gain your trust.
- Do not share your bank account details, OTP or personal information over phone calls.
- Verify the identity of any caller claiming to be a government officer through official contact numbers.
- Do not act out of fear or secrecy — consult family members or local police immediately.
- Never transfer money to unknown individuals or accounts based on verbal threats or unofficial instructions.
- The digital arrest scam is designed to create fear and exploit senior citizens emotionally and financially.
- Awareness and prompt reporting are key to preventing further victimisation.
- Report such incidents immediately to the 1930 Cyber Helpline or www.cybercrime.gov.in
- In case of any emergency of cyber fraud, please call or WhatsApp 8712665171.
Follow the police on these social media links for the latest cyber awareness updates.
https://www.facebook.com/
