Hyderabad police caution public against surge in ‘digital arrest’ scams

The cybercrime unit of the Hyderabad police has issued a public warning over a sharp rise in ‘digital arrest’ frauds, in which scammers impersonate law enforcement and government officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims.

Police said fraudsters have been posing as officers from agencies such as the police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Customs, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Department of Telecommunications, National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Anti-Terrorist Squad(ATS), as well as courier company staff, to falsely accuse citizens of involvement in serious crimes including money laundering, narcotics trafficking and terrorism. Victims are then threatened with immediate arrest, freezing of bank accounts or legal action to create panic and a sense of urgency.

According to the advisory, the scammers often bolster their claims by sending forged documents such as FIRs, non-bailable arrest warrants or letters purportedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India. In several cases, victims are warned of severe punishment and damage to their family’s reputation if they do not comply. The fraudsters then demand that assets be liquidated or money transferred, falsely claiming that the funds are being deposited with the Supreme Court or authorities as proof of innocence or for issuing a so-called “no involvement certificate”.

Hyderabad police have appealed to citizens to report any suspected digital arrest frauds without delay to the National Cybercrime Helpline by dialling 1930 or by registering a complaint online at cybercrime.gov.in. The Cybercrime Unit said it continues to monitor emerging fraud patterns and urged the public to remain alert and informed to prevent financial and psychological harm.