Retired LB Nagar officer falls victim to Rs 98,888 digital arrest scam

A retired Excise Inspector from LB Nagar was cheated of ₹98,888 in a ‘digital arrest’ scam. Cyber fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials and using fake ED and NIA documents pressured him into transferring money. Police are investigating the case.

Hyderabad: A 66-year-old retired Excise Inspector from LB Nagar fell victim to ‘digital arrest’ fraud, allegedly after cyber crooks posing as senior law enforcement officials threatened him with arrest and forced him to transfer money.

According to police, the victim from Mansoorabad received a phone call on February 28 from a woman who introduced herself as Meghana Reddy, claiming to be a Circle Inspector. She told him that a mobile number allegedly registered in his name was being used to share sensitive information with terrorist groups.

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The caller then connected him to another person who claimed to be a senior officer handling the investigation. The fraudsters reportedly pressured the retired officer to cooperate, warning him of serious legal consequences and possible arrest. “To make the claim appear genuine, the scammers sent him fabricated documents, including a fake Enforcement Directorate case report accusing him of money laundering and a forged confidentiality agreement allegedly issued by the National Investigation Agency,” police said.

Believing the threats to be real and acting under pressure, the victim transferred Rs 98,888 through digital mode as instructed by the fraudsters as part of what they described as an ongoing investigation.

The victim later realised he had been cheated in a ‘digital arrest fraud, a method in which criminals impersonate officials from agencies such as the police, CBI or ED to extort money. Police are investigating.