Senior citizen loses Rs 2.20 crore in fake CBI call scam

A 72-year-old Nampally woman allegedly lost Rs 2.20 crore after cybercriminals posing as CBI officials threatened her with arrest. Police said the fraudsters used a fake arrest warrant and demanded transfers under the pretext of avoiding legal action.

HYDERABAD: A 72-year-old woman from Nampally was allegedly duped of Rs 2.20 crore by cyber criminals who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials and threatened to arrest her in a fabricated criminal case.

According to the Additional Commissioner of Police (Crimes), M Srinivasulu, the fraudsters contacted the senior citizen through a video call and claimed that a parcel containing illegal drugs had been booked in her name. They also alleged that a bank account linked to her was involved in money laundering.

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To make their claims appear genuine, the fraudsters displayed a fake arrest warrant and threatened her with arrest and criminal prosecution. “They then coerced her into transferring multiple amounts to different bank accounts, claiming that the money was required as a security deposit to avoid legal action. She suffered a total financial loss of Rs 2.20 crore,” the official explained.

The police said that fraudsters typically use phone calls, WhatsApp messages and video calls to accuse victims of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering or other crimes. They use fake identity cards, forged notices and fabricated court documents to convince victims that the allegations are genuine.

In several cases, victims are instructed to remain on video calls continuously, stay alone and refrain from contacting family members or lawyers. The fraudsters demand bank statements and details of investments before pressuring victims to transfer money under the pretext of security deposits, bail, or verification of funds, the police added.