What happened: ₹85.20 lakh recovered after a digital arrest scam in Telangana

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau recovered the entire ₹85.20 lakh stolen from an 85-year-old retired bank employee after a digital arrest scam targeted the victim. Police reported that fraudsters impersonated a National Investigation Agency (NIA) officer, used threats and a “RBI verification” pretext to induce money transfers, and later demanded additional money.

Reported timeline and actions

On August 21, the victim was contacted by a caller pretending to be an NIA officer.The fraudster allegedly used Telugu communication, a video call, and a reported uniform to appear official.The fraudster allegedly claimed that the victim’s Aadhaar details were misused to open bank accounts and conduct fraudulent transactions.The fraudster allegedly threatened the victim, warned the victim not to discuss the matter with others, and alleged that uniformed police would arrive at the victim’s home.The fraudster instructed the victim to transfer money to a bank account specified by the fraudster under the pretext of “RBI verification.”The victim transferred ₹85.20 lakh to the specified account.After the first transfer, the fraudster demanded an additional ₹42 lakh.The victim filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.Investigators traced the payment trail, froze the suspect account at IDFC Bank (the Coimbatore branch), and recovered the full amount.

Background and earlier position: why digital arrest scams succeed

Digital arrest scams are usually driven by social engineering, meaning fraudsters manipulate people into taking actions like transferring money. The scam often uses institutional impersonation, fear of legal consequences, and step-by-step payment instructions framed as an official process so the victim does not verify the claim through trusted people.

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