The victim, under the jurisdiction of Neredmet police station in Malkajgiri Commissionerate, was contacted on August 21 by a man posing as an official of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Fraudster poses as NIA official, threatens retired banker

The caller falsely told the victim that a man named Abdul Salam had misused his Aadhaar details to open bank accounts and had carried out fraudulent transactions worth around ₹2.50 crore in Karnataka and Kerala.

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Speaking in Telugu, the caller appeared on a video call wearing a police/NIA-style uniform. He threatened the victim with serious legal consequences and instructed him not to speak to or contact anyone and to keep the matter confidential.

The fraudster warned that if he disclosed the matter to anyone, local police officials in uniform would visit his house, leading to social embarrassment and further legal action.

Believing the caller was a genuine government official, the victim was persuaded to transfer ₹85,20,000 to a bank account in the name of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verification. He was told the money would be returned after the verification process.

TGCSB traces money trail and freezes suspected account

When the caller later demanded another ₹42 lakh, the victim became suspicious and contacted his bank. Bank officials told him he was likely being targeted in a cyber fraud.

The victim immediately filed a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

TGCSB officials acted quickly, traced the money trail and froze the suspected account at IDFC Bank's Coimbatore branch. The action helped secure the entire ₹85.20 lakh transferred by the victim.

The complaint was subsequently transferred to the Cyber Crime Police Station (CCPS), Malkajgiri, for further legal action.

TGCSB warns against transferring money for verification

TGCSB warned citizens that no genuine police, NIA, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), RBI or other government official will ask anyone to transfer money to a bank account for "verification", "investigation" or "security reasons".

Fraudsters may use police uniforms, official-looking video calls, fake documents and threats of arrest or legal action to create fear and prevent victims from seeking help, it said.

Citizens should not panic, transfer money or keep such calls confidential, TGCSB said. Anyone receiving a suspicious call from a person claiming to represent a government or law enforcement agency should immediately verify the information through the department's official channels.

In cases of financial cyber fraud, citizens should immediately call 1930 and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting can help authorities take immediate action to secure the defrauded money.