In a recent and alarming case of deception, a resident of Hyderabad fell victim to a digital arrest scam, resulting in a loss of Rs 1.2 crore over 20 days. The scammers, posing as police officers, manipulated the victim into believing he was in serious legal trouble, leading to severe mental strain and isolation.
The victim’s experience began on May 7 when he received an unexpected phone call. The caller, claiming to be a police officer, informed him that a parcel in his name had been confiscated due to its alleged connection to illegal drugs. The victim was instructed to share all his details without any mistakes and was asked to remain online 24/7.
The scammers exploited the victim’s fear by providing accurate shipment and delivery details, convincing him of their authenticity. Believing he was genuinely in legal trouble, the victim was coerced into cooperating. The fake police officer warned him of severe legal consequences if he failed to comply. Consequently, the victim confined himself to his home for the next 20 days, unable to sleep, eat, or think properly.
The cybercriminals demanded continuous online presence to avoid arrest. Initially, they instructed the victim to send Rs 30 lakh. However, their demands escalated daily, and by the end of the 20-day ordeal, the victim had paid a staggering Rs 1.2 crore from his savings accounts and credit cards. During this period, he was unable to leave his house or be away from his phone, even while using the bathroom or sleeping. The stress and fear of imminent arrest isolated him from the outside world, affecting not only him but also his family
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