BackLAW
Retired Telangana Teacher Loses Rs 82 Lakh In Digital Arrest Scam
A retired teacher and his wife in Telangana's Mahabubabad lost Rs 82 lakh to a digital arrest scam, where fraudsters impersonated telecom officials, police and CBI personnel to threaten arrest. They made three RTGS transfers between April 15 and 22 after being told the money would be returned following 'legal verification' by May 2; the suspects went offline on May 3, and a police complaint led to a case being registered.
Why It Matters
The case shows how impersonation of authorities in digital fraud can coerce victims into transferring funds, highlighting the need for public awareness and stronger cybercrime responses.
Timeline
9 Events
May 9, 2026 — Police complaint lodged; case registered
May 9, 2026
The couple approached the police and lodged a complaint at the Mahabubabad Town Police Station. Police have registered a case based on the victims’ complaint and are tracing the cyber criminals while taking action.
May 3, 2026 — Phones switched off; no responses
May 3, 2026
The accused switched off their phones and stopped responding from May 3.
May 2, 2026 — Scammers promise return after legal verification
May 2, 2026
The scammers assured the amount would be returned after 'legal verification' by May 2.
April 22, 2026 — Third money transfer: Rs 11.22 lakh
April 22, 2026
The couple transferred Rs 11.22 lakh via RTGS to the fraudsters.
April 18, 2026 — Second money transfer: Rs 22.22 lakh
April 18, 2026
The couple transferred Rs 22.22 lakh via RTGS to the fraudsters.
April 15, 2026 — First money transfer: Rs 49 lakh
April 15, 2026
The couple transferred Rs 49 lakh to the accounts provided by the fraudsters via RTGS.
April 11, 2026 — Fake arrest warrant and digital arrest threats
April 11, 2026
The scammers showed a fake arrest warrant and placed the couple under a so-called 'digital arrest', warning them not to reveal the matter. Another accused, posing as a CBI officer, repeatedly threatened the victims during the ordeal.
April 11, 2026 — WhatsApp video call with fraudster dressed as police sub-inspector
April 11, 2026
The couple were connected via a WhatsApp video call to a man dressed in a police uniform who claimed to be a Bengaluru-based sub-inspector. He said a Canara Bank account had been opened in Mumbai using the teacher’s Aadhaar details and that Rs 75 lakh linked to an international criminal network had been deposited into that account.
April 11, 2026 — Initial contact from caller claiming Airtel official
April 11, 2026
A call was received from someone claiming to be an Airtel official, warning that the retired teacher’s mobile number would be blocked because 17 harassment cases were allegedly linked to his Aadhaar.