Most ‘digital arrest’ victims are senior citizens: Hyderabad Detective Department

Fraudsters were calling victims, posing as officials of CBI or Customs or ED, sending fake arrest and non-bailable warrants; this year, 34 digital arrest cases were reported in the first half up to June

Hyderabad: A majority of the victims of ‘digital arrest’ were found to be senior citizens, particularly in the age group of 60 to 80 years and especially those whose children live or work abroad, said officials from the Hyderabad Detective Department.

In 2024, in the first half up to June, 140 digital arrest cases were registered and in the second half from July to December 2024, a total of 214 cases were registered. This year so far, 34 digital arrest cases were reported in the first half up to June, which is a 75 per cent reduction.

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“As a result of increased alertness due to continuous awareness programmes, there is a significant decrease in the cases this year,” said a senior official.

Detective Department officials said that fraudsters were calling the victims, posing as officials of the CBI or Customs or DRI or ED, sending fake arrest and non-bailable warrants.

“They are putting their targets in fear of impending arrest as if they are involved in criminal cases of money laundering, drug peddling, and contraband seizures allegedly linked to their mobile numbers and Aadhaar cards,” the official added.

The victim is coerced to liquidate all assets within 24 hours over a 2-3 hour video call. They are also instructed to prematurely withdraw whatever fixed deposits they have, take a loan against the gold, and obtain a personal loan and transfer the amount to them. The victims transfer the money under fear and pressure only to realise later that they were cheated.

Cybercrime victims can dial 1930 or visit https://cybercrime.gov.in/ to lodge a complaint.