Former government employee duped of Rs.4.21 lakh on pretext of Digital Arrest

The victim was informed that a bank account was opened using her Aadhaar Card and also a SIM card was activated in her name in Mumbai

Hyderabad: A former government employee was duped of Rs 4.21 lakh by cyber fraudsters who placed her under ‘digital arrest’ and threatened of legal action for her alleged role in a money laundering case.

The woman, aged 67 years, first received a phone call from a stranger who claimed to be an official of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The suspect then transferred the call to another person who claimed to be an official of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

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The victim was informed that a bank account was opened using her Aadhaar Card and also a SIM card was activated in her name in Mumbai.

“The fake CBI official threatened the woman saying she is involved in a money laundering activity and is facing investigation. The man told her that she is under digital arrest and she cannot leave her house until the investigation is complete,” said an official of Hyderabad cybercrime police.

The fraudsters then sent her a letter purportedly authorised by the Crime Branch and CBI. “She was instructed to connect over a WhatsApp call and cooperate with the investigators. During the so called investigation, the victim woman was conned into transferring Rs. 4,21,357 to an account assuring that it would be refunded later,” said the official.

The woman later realized she was duped of the money and approached the police. A case is registered.