Hyderabad Police warn citizens against rising digital arrest scams

The Hyderabad Police have issued an advisory warning citizens against ‘digital arrest’ scams. Fraudsters posing as police or government officials extort money by threatening victims with fake cases. Officials urged the public to stay alert and report such incidents immediately.

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Police have issued an advisory warning citizens about the growing menace of ‘digital arrest’ scams, where fraudsters impersonate police officers, government agencies, or courier services to intimidate victims with fake criminal allegations.

According to the police, fraudsters contact victims through calls, WhatsApp, or video chats, falsely accusing them of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering, narcotics smuggling, or terrorism.

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Victims are then threatened with arrest or freezing of their bank accounts unless they pay money or share confidential details.

To make their claims convincing, scammers often use caller ID spoofing, forged FIRs, arrest warrants, or RBI letters, and even conduct fake video calls posing as senior officials.

Some demand that victims liquidate assets, claiming the funds will be sent to the Supreme Court to prove their innocence.

Officials clarified that there is no such thing as a ‘digital arrest’. Police or government agencies never demand money to clear names or issue certificates.

They urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report such scams promptly to help curb cybercrime activities.

Police advisory:

• Stay calm, hang up immediately, and do not share personal, banking, or OTP details.
• Do not transfer money or install any applications suggested by unknown callers.
• Verify any such claims by contacting your local police or official government helplines directly.
• Preserve evidence such as call logs, messages, screenshots, or transaction details.
• Citizens can report such cases to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or file a complaint online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.