VIJAYAWADA: A retired engineer in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has been defrauded of approximately ₹10 crore in a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam orchestrated by cybercriminals. The victim, who resides in Guru Nanak Colony, was targeted over a week ago by individuals posing as police officers.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The fraudsters initiated contact with the retired engineer by informing him that his mobile number had been linked to several criminal cases, threatening him with legal action. To amplify the deception, they later engaged him in a video call, asserting that he was under a ‘digital arrest.’ The criminals instructed the victim that the only way to avoid this supposed arrest was to transfer a substantial sum of money to bank accounts they provided. Blinded by fear and the convincing portrayal of authority, the engineer complied with their demands.
Financial Transactions and Suspicion
Over a period, the retired engineer made four separate transactions, transferring a total of ₹10 crore to the accounts specified by the fraudsters. Information was available with The Chenab Times that the victim had to liquidate his fixed deposits to arrange the substantial sum. His suspicions were reportedly aroused when the callers began demanding further amounts of money. This prompted him to approach the Vijayawada Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday to report the incident.
Police Action and Investigation
Following the complaint, the Vijayawada Cyber Crime Police registered a case and immediately initiated efforts to trace the transactions and identify the bank accounts used by the perpetrators. Acting swiftly on the information provided by the victim, investigators were able to freeze approximately ₹7 crore held in two bank accounts believed to be linked to the accused. The police are now actively working to identify the individuals behind this elaborate fraud and to recover the remaining funds. An in-depth examination of the transaction trail and other digital evidence is underway to understand the full scope of the gang’s operations.
Broader Context of Cybercrime in Andhra Pradesh
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of cybercrimes targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens and retired professionals, in Andhra Pradesh. Recent reports from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicate a rise in cybercrime cases in the state, with over 2,528 cases reported in 2024, an increase from previous years. The ‘digital arrest’ scam, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement and threaten victims with virtual arrest, has become a significant concern. In similar incidents reported previously, elderly citizens and retired government employees have been targeted with promises of lucrative returns or threats of fake legal charges, leading to significant financial and emotional distress.
Cybercrime officials have consistently warned the public against such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies will never demand money over video calls or through similar coercive tactics to clear one’s name. They urge citizens to remain vigilant, verify suspicious calls, and report any such incidents immediately to the cybercrime authorities to enable prompt investigation and potential recovery of funds. The increasing sophistication of these scams necessitates heightened awareness and a cautious approach to digital interactions.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
