Hyderabad Techie Escapes 24-Hour Digital Trap Ordeal, Thanks to Timely Police Intervention

HYDERABAD: A 44-year-old software professional from Hyderabad was trapped for over 24 hours in a digital scam that caused immense distress but ultimately ended without any financial loss, thanks to the timely intervention of local police. The victim, residing in Miyapur, narrowly escaped the clutches of cybercriminals on Sunday morning, with the support of authorities and quick thinking.

The Ordeal Begins

The ordeal unfolded late Friday night when the victim received several suspicious text messages that he initially dismissed as spam. However, the situation took a serious turn early Saturday morning when the man received a call from scammers posing as FedEx agents and later claiming to be from the Mumbai police. The callers informed him that his Aadhaar number had been involved in a money laundering case and threatened severe consequences for both him and his family if he failed to comply with their instructions.

Pressured Into Compliance

Under immense pressure and fear for his family’s safety, the techie was manipulated into traveling 15 kilometers to a lodge in Ameerpet, where he was instructed to stay on a continuous WhatsApp video call. The fraudsters, who preyed on his anxiety, convinced him that the call was necessary to prevent his family from being implicated. They claimed that the process would drag on until Monday when banks would reopen, at which point he would be asked to make an RTGS payment to verify his account.

For the next 24 hours, the man was forced into isolation at the lodge, continuing the video call as the scammers monitored him. They even insisted that he keep his phone constantly plugged in and remain on the call, even during brief restroom breaks. The techie endured this constant surveillance, further heightening his distress.

Critical Escape and Police Intervention

The victim’s escape came when the video call was abruptly disconnected around 4 a.m. on Sunday. Seizing this brief moment of opportunity, the victim quickly contacted the Hyderabad cybercrime helpline at 8712665171, where his call was answered by Constable Mokthala Ganesh. Recognizing the man’s urgency and fear, Ganesh kept him on the phone for over an hour, calmly reassuring him while organizing a rescue operation.

“I realized he had fallen victim to cybercriminals. He was extremely scared, so I stayed on the line, making sure he didn’t break down or take any drastic action. I contacted his neighbor and made sure his family was informed and brought to the lodge to rescue him,” Constable Ganesh explained.

Thanks to Ganesh’s quick thinking, the victim’s family arrived at the lodge in time and successfully rescued him without any financial loss. The techie later expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that the intervention of Constable Ganesh was crucial in helping him regain control of the situation.

Praise for Police Response

Hyderabad Cybercrime ACP, RG Siva Maruthi, lauded the decisive actions of Constable Ganesh and the police team. “We are committed to responding immediately to such cases. The quick thinking and continuous support given to the victim by Constable Ganesh are commendable,” Maruthi stated. He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to these increasingly common digital arrest scams.

Rising Incidence of Digital Arrest Scams

This case is part of a growing trend of digital arrest scams that have targeted many across the city and the country. Recent incidents include:

• October 2024: A pilot from Begumpet lost ₹7 lakh after being duped into a digital arrest scam.
• May 2024: A woman architect was tricked into paying ₹60 lakh to avoid a similar ordeal.
• March 2024: An IIT Hyderabad PhD scholar was scammed out of ₹30 lakh under comparable circumstances.

The rise in these scams has prompted authorities to intensify efforts to educate the public on how to recognize such frauds. Experts emphasize that these scams often target vulnerable individuals who are easily manipulated by threats of legal action and the pressure of time-sensitive demands.

Public Awareness and Preventative Measures

As digital fraud continues to evolve, the Hyderabad police have urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities immediately to the cybercrime helpline. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on raising awareness about the warning signs of such scams, which typically involve coercive threats and the manipulation of fear, leading victims to take drastic actions without questioning the legitimacy of the claims.

Additionally, authorities are working on improving preventive measures, including more robust tracking systems and public awareness campaigns, to curb the growing incidence of cybercrime. Police also encourage individuals to verify any unsolicited calls or messages related to financial matters through official channels before taking any action.

Through vigilance and quick intervention, such scams can be stopped before they cause lasting harm. The police urge citizens to stay informed and make use of the helplines to protect themselves from falling victim to such high-tech frauds.