A 72-year-old woman from Nampally lost ₹2.20 crore to cyber fraudsters, one of whom impersonated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer and threatened to arrest her over fabricated allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering.
According to the police, the victim received a video call from a person claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller told her that a parcel containing illegal drugs had been booked on her name and that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering. The fraudster displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened her with arrest.
Under the pretext of collecting security deposits, the fraudsters coerced the woman into transferring multiple amounts to different bank accounts, resulting in a total loss of ₹2.20 crore.
Meanwhile, the police urged citizens to remain vigilant against digital arrest scams, in which cybercriminals impersonate police officers, CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Customs and other government officials to intimidate victims and extort money.
In a public advisory, the Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad City, said that awareness programmes and door-to-door campaigns conducted in coordination with local police stations had contributed to a reduction in reported digital arrest cases. However, some incidents continue to be reported.
The police have cautioned citizens that threats of immediate arrest over video calls, instructions to remain on continuous calls, demands for money to clear allegations and directions not to consult family members or lawyers are major warning signs of fraud. Arrest warrants and other documents sent through WhatsApp should be independently verified.
Anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud should immediately contact the National Cybercrime Helpline on 1930 or report the incident through www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Published – October 14, 2026 07:48 pm IST
