Question 1

What is the "Digital Arrest Scam — Fake CBI and Police Impersonation" scam in Hyderabad?

Accepted Answer

Scammers call or video-call victims posing as CBI officers, RBI officials, or Hyderabad police, claiming the victim's phone number or bank account has been linked to a money laundering or narcotics case. Victims are told they are "digitally arrested" and must remain on call continuously — sometimes for days — while being coerced into transferring large sums to "clear their name." In Hyderabad, documented losses reached Rs 33.81 crore in 2025, with a single family losing Rs 5.5 crore after 17 days of continuous video call surveillance. Know that no legitimate law enforcement agency — including CBI, RBI, Customs, or Hyderabad Police — contacts citizens via video call, demands money to avoid arrest, or conducts "digital arrests." Hang up immediately. Do not share personal details, bank credentials, or OTPs. Report to the Cyber Crime helpline at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Question 2

What is the "WhatsApp Investment and IPO Fraud" scam in Hyderabad?

Accepted Answer

Scammers operating in Hyderabad add targets to WhatsApp or Telegram groups posing as legitimate brokers, financial advisors, or "Goldman Sachs" analysts and offer inside tips on IPO pre-allotments and high-return stock trades. Victims are directed to download fake trading apps that show artificial profits to encourage larger deposits. Once significant sums are transferred, withdrawals are blocked and operators vanish. Hyderabad Cybercrime Police report victims lost over Rs 500 crore to this fraud type in 2025, with individual losses ranging from Rs 50 lakh to over Rs 5 crore. Never invest money through groups you were added to without consent. Verify any broker or platform through SEBI's official register at sebi.gov.in before transferring funds. Legitimate brokers never cold-contact via WhatsApp, and genuine profits can always be withdrawn — if a platform blocks withdrawals, stop immediately and report to cybercrime.gov.in.

Question 3

What is the "Fake Travel Agency and Pilgrimage Booking Scam" scam in Hyderabad?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent travel agencies operating through Instagram pages, Facebook groups, and Google-advertised websites collect large deposits from travelers booking tours, pilgrimages (particularly Umrah packages from Hyderabad's large Muslim community), and cruise trips. After collecting Rs 50,000–80,000 per person, operators disconnect all communication channels and disappear. In documented Hyderabad cases, a fake Umrah operator defrauded multiple families, and a fake cruise booking agent collected Rs 2.42 lakh from a single victim via WhatsApp after appearing in Google search results. Book travel packages only through IATA-registered agencies or operators listed on the Ministry of Tourism's official database. Search the agency name alongside "fraud" or "complaint" before paying. Never make payments via QR code or personal UPI ID — legitimate agencies provide business bank accounts. Call the actual airline or cruise line to verify your booking after payment.

Online Scams in Hyderabad

Digital Arrest Scam — Fake CBI and Police Impersonation

WhatsApp Investment and IPO Fraud

Fake Travel Agency and Pilgrimage Booking Scam

Experienced a scam here?