Cyber Fraud Case in Hyderabad
Retired Medical Officer Defrauded of Rs 36 Lakh
A 61-year-old retired government medical officer in Hyderabad has fallen victim to a cyber fraud, losing Rs 36 lakh to scammers impersonating officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The criminals ensnared him in a fabricated money-laundering investigation and pressured him to transfer funds for alleged verification purposes. In response, a complaint has been filed with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Cyberabad.
Details of the Incident
The incident began on November 26 when the doctor received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an investigating officer with the Mumbai Crime Branch. The caller alleged that an anti-money laundering case had been registered under the doctor’s name and that various bank accounts had been opened using his identity to facilitate unauthorized fund transfers abroad.
Initially shocked, the victim denied any wrongdoing; however, the caller insisted on a “higher-level investigation” and forced him into a video call. During this call, the fraudster demanded the doctor’s complete bank information and account balances, threatening arrest and claiming he would be detained for 90 days if he did not comply.
Escalation of Threats
During the course of the fraud, the victim was connected to another scammer who posed as an IPS officer. This individual claimed he was only sparing the doctor because of his senior status but demanded that he remain on a continuous video call. The caller emphasized that the case involved the ED and was classified as a “national secret,” further heightening the victim’s fear.
The fraudsters informed the doctor that he was under “digital arrest” and warned that non-compliance would lead to actions from the ED, Income Tax Department, and CBI, all purportedly under “Supreme Court guidance.”
Demands for Money
The fraudsters linked their allegations to an international human trafficking network and claimed multiple transactions in the doctor’s name required verification. They instructed him to transfer money to various bank accounts, assuring him that the funds would be reimbursed after the verification process.
Days later, the scammer contacted the doctor again, asserting that verification was still ongoing and that even his land and gold assets needed to be scrutinized. The caller threatened that unless the doctor paid Rs 1 crore, he would face arrest. The caller even threatened to personally visit the doctor’s residence for verification.
Realization and Police Involvement
According to reports from Deccan Chronicle, when the victim began to question the callers, they ceased communication. Realizing he had been scammed, he approached the police, seeking to recover his Rs 36 lakh and demanding action against the perpetrators. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the IT Act, and an investigation into the matter is currently underway.