Hyderabad Senior Citizen Defrauded of Rs 20 Lakh in Elaborate CBI Impersonation Scam
In a distressing incident highlighting the growing sophistication of cybercrime, a 76-year-old retired engineer from Kukatpally, Hyderabad, was allegedly swindled out of more than Rs 20 lakh by fraudsters impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. The elaborate scheme, known as a digital arrest scam, preyed on the victim's fears with threats of legal action and fabricated judicial documents.
The Deceptive Onset of the Fraud
The ordeal began on February 11, when the senior citizen started receiving calls from unidentified numbers. The callers, posing as authorities, falsely claimed that his Aadhaar credentials were linked to 247 bank accounts allegedly involved in money laundering activities. To intensify the pressure, they asserted that the Supreme Court had issued an arrest warrant against him, creating a climate of intimidation and urgency.
Coercion Through Digital Means
Under the guise of verifying these allegations, the criminal gang coerced the victim into joining a WhatsApp video call. During this call, he was instructed to display his Aadhaar card, allowing the fraudsters to access his personal details. One member of the gang, pretending to be a control room staffer, read out these details aloud to simulate an official verification process, thereby lending a false sense of authenticity to their fraudulent act.
Forged Documents and Financial Demands
Feigning extreme urgency, the scammers forwarded forged documents bearing the logos of the CBI, Mumbai crime branch, and the Supreme Court. They insisted that the victim transfer the entire balance from his bank accounts to an account they described as belonging to an anti-money laundering department for audit purposes. Promising to return the funds within 48 to 72 hours, they simultaneously threatened that non-compliance would result in seven years of imprisonment and a Rs 20 lakh fine.
The Financial Transfer and Aftermath
Intimidated by these severe threats, the victim complied and, on February 24, transferred over Rs 20 lakh to a bank account belonging to a transport company, as per the fraudsters' instructions. When no communication followed the transfer, the victim realized he had been duped and approached the police on February 26. Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act, which pertain to identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.
Broader Implications and Warnings
This case underscores the alarming rise in digital arrest scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens. Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated tactics, including impersonation of law enforcement agencies and fabrication of official documents, to exploit victims' fears. The Hyderabad police are investigating the matter, urging the public to remain vigilant and verify any unsolicited claims of legal action directly with official authorities before taking any financial steps.
