Fraudsters Posing as TRAI and Mumbai Police Officials Threaten Victim
Hyderabad: In yet another cybercrime incident, a 39-year-old doctor from Punjagutta in Hyderabad was allegedly cheated of ₹12 lakh by fraudsters who threatened him with a so-called “digital arrest.” The Cybercrime Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
According to police officials, the victim received a call from individuals posing as representatives of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The callers claimed that a SIM card issued in his name was being misused in Mumbai for illegal activities.
The call was later transferred to another accused who allegedly impersonated a police officer from Mumbai. The fraudster instructed the doctor to travel to Mumbai within 48 hours and warned him to switch off his phone, stating that he was under investigation.
Shortly thereafter, the scammers contacted the victim via WhatsApp and demanded ₹12 lakh to “clear” the fabricated case. Fearing arrest and legal consequences, the doctor reportedly complied and shared his bank details.
The fraudsters then siphoned off the entire amount into multiple bank accounts before switching off their phones. Realising he had been duped in a digital arrest scam, the victim approached the Cybercrime Police to lodge a complaint.
Based on his complaint, a case has been registered and investigators are tracking the bank accounts and digital footprints linked to the accused. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the fraud.
The case was reported by Deccan Chronicle and adds to the growing number of sophisticated online frauds reported across the country. Authorities have repeatedly urged citizens to verify such claims and avoid sharing financial details over phone calls or messaging platforms.
In a related development, earlier reports highlighted a major online investment scam involving transactions worth ₹209 crore, in which an MBBS doctor from Haryana was among nine arrested. The case, which surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is still under investigation, with officials estimating the total fraud amount could rise significantly after full verification.
