Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Police have arrested a person for their alleged involvement in a digital arrest scam. The accused was earlier allegedly duped into committing cybercrimes in Cambodia when he went for a data entry job.
As much as Rs 12 lakh cash was recovered from the accused.
Rs 24 lakh fraud transactions in two months
The accused has been identified as Gajarla Avinash, 26, a resident of Katlakunta Village, Medipally Mandal, Jagtial District.
The police said that, during January and February this year, approximately Rs 24 lakh were fraudulently transacted and subsequently withdrawn. The proceeds were shared among the conspirators as commission.
Modus Operandi
As per the police, the accused had initially travelled to Cambodia on the pretext of a data entry job. Upon arrival, he was forced into engaging in organised cybercrime activities involving 'digital arrest scam' calls targeting Indian citizens.
Thereafter, he continued to remain and actively participated in fraudulent operations. He impersonated law enforcement officials and made threatening calls to victims, falsely alleging their involvement in criminal cases, thereby inducing them to transfer money. The defrauded amounts were routed through mule bank accounts arranged in India.
The following items were seized from the accused:
- A mobile phone
- An Indian Passport
- Rs 12 lakh in cash
The accused has confessed to his role in the offence. Further investigation is in progress to identify additional victims, trace the money trail and apprehend other associates involved in the international cyber fraud network.
Public advisory
DCP, Cyber Crime, T Sai Manohar, IPS, has issued these guidelines to protect yourself from cyber scammers.
- Do not install unknown APK files/links (sent via WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram). These can be used for mobile hacking.
- Do not install screen sharing apps (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport etc.) on the advice of unknown persons.
- Do not trust calls/messages claiming to be KYC update, SIM block, bank account freeze, etc.
- Platforms that offer guaranteed returns in the name of online investment schemes (crypto, trading, high returns) are more likely to be fraudulent. Do not invest without verification.
- If social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are hacked, change the password immediately and alert your contacts.
- Do not share OTP, CVV, UPI PIN, net banking credentials with anyone-even if the caller claims to be a police/bank official.
- It is fraud to say that if you scan a QR code, you will receive money-if you scan a QR code, you will be debited.
- Fraud is happening through fake customer care numbers (searched on Google). Get contact details from official websites.
- If you are asked for advance payment in the name of the Army/Police on platforms like OLX/Quikr, there is a high chance that it will be a fraud.
- Lottery, prize, foreign parcel scams (in the name of customs charges) are completely fake-avoid them.
Cyber criminals are constantly adopting new methods. The public is requested to stay vigilant and verify before trusting any unknown communication.