Domalguda senior citizen duped of Rs. 35.7 lakh in CBI impersonation scam

Hyderabad: A 79-year-old resident of Domalguda, Hyderabad, was defrauded of ₹35,74,094 in a cyber scam involving individuals posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

On July 6, the victim received a phone call from a man identifying himself as "Vijay Khanna," claiming to be a CBI officer calling from Colaba Police Station. The caller alleged that a bank account in the victim’s name at Canara Bank’s Colaba branch was linked to a money laundering case involving an individual named Naresh Goel.

To build credibility, the fraudster claimed the investigation was being conducted under orders from the Supreme Court and shared forged documents, including a fake CBI warrant and FIR (No. MH/15621/0225). The victim was warned not to disclose the matter to anyone, citing “national security” and the involvement of “high-profile individuals.”

Intimidated and misled, the victim shared his bank account details and was instructed to transfer funds for “verification,” with assurances that the amount would be returned. Over ten days, the victim transferred ₹35.74 lakh to accounts provided by the fraudsters. Another individual, posing as “Ayush Gupta, Investigation Officer,” also pressured the victim to make the transfers.

After being falsely informed that his name was cleared and told to collect his money from the nearest crime branch, the victim realized he had been defrauded and approached the Cybercrime Police Station in Hyderabad.

Public Advisory

Authorities have reiterated that neither the CBI nor any police agency will call individuals to inform them of their arrest or demand money for verification. There is no such thing as a "digital arrest." Law enforcement agencies do not seek money transfers as part of any investigation.

Cybercriminals often pose as officials and fabricate documents such as CBI warrants, FIRs, or court orders to intimidate victims. Citizens are advised:

• Do not share bank details, OTPs, or personal information over phone calls.
• Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official through official contact numbers.
• Do not act under pressure or in secrecy. Consult family or local police.
• Never transfer money based on verbal threats or unofficial instructions.

Senior citizens are especially being targeted in such scams. Awareness and prompt reporting can help prevent further fraud. Victims are urged to preserve all communication, including messages, call logs, and proof of transactions. In case of cyber fraud, immediately dial 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in. For emergencies, citizens in Hyderabad can also contact 8712665171 via call or WhatsApp.