Hyderabad: 83-Year-Old Former Banker Defrauded of ₹80.64 Lakh in Scam

Quick Summary

• An 83-year-old retired bank employee from Habsiguda, Hyderabad, was defrauded of ₹80,64,002 in a cybercrime scam.
• Fraudsters impersonated officials from TRAI, the police, and even the Supreme Court to conduct a ‘digital arrest’ scam.
• The victim received false allegations claiming his Aadhaar card had been linked to human trafficking activities in Cambodia,Myanmar,and the Philippines.
• Criminals sent forged documents like a tampered ATM card and fake Supreme Court notices to intimidate him into transferring money over multiple transactions.
• Authorities clarified that ‘digital arrest’ does not exist and no legitimate agency demands money transfers as part of investigations.
• Citizens are advised to report cyber fraud on helpline 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov.in; Hyderabad locals can use emergency assistance via 8712665171 or follow Cybercrime Police Station updates online.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Incidents like this highlight the growing sophistication of cybercriminals who exploit fear among vulnerable individuals such as senior citizens by impersonating trusted institutions like TRAI or even courts. India’s increasing reliance on digital systems requires corresponding awareness campaigns about cybersecurity risks at grassroot levels. Although helplines such as 1930 show commendable progress in tackling these crimes, public education remains vital for prevention rather than reactive measures alone. Future policies may look into collaborations between banks and law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify unusual financial activity triggered through intimidation scams.

Read more: Published – september 19,2025