Romance to blackmail: Sextortion gang cons elderly Hyderabad man of Rs. 38.7 Lakh

Hyderabad: A 70-year-old retired government employee from Hyderabad fell victim to a sextortion scam, losing a total of ₹38,73,150. The fraud began in January 2025 when he accepted a Facebook friend request from a woman who claimed to be from a poor background. She said her father had abandoned the family and her mother worked as a tailor.

During their conversation, she asked the victim to help her get a Wi-Fi connection and shared the number of a cable operator (7207738920). Believing her story, the victim transferred ₹10,000. Soon after, the woman stopped responding.

When the victim contacted the cable operator, he claimed the girl was ill and required surgery. Trusting him, the victim began sending money for her supposed medical treatment, eventually transferring ₹10 lakh over time. He also sent his Standard Chartered Bank credit card, which was used to withdraw ₹2.65 lakh. Later, the operator said he was going to Dubai and stopped communicating.

The same number later sent messages claiming the operator’s mother and sister wanted to chat. They engaged the victim in sexually explicit conversations. Following this, the cable operator alleged that the victim had inappropriately chatted with his minor sister and threatened to file a police complaint.

A person claiming to be the girl then pleaded with the victim to stop her family from going to the police. The victim received threats that a case would be filed unless he paid. A man posing as a police constable contacted him through Facebook and advised him to "settle the matter." Acting on his advice, the victim transferred ₹12.5 lakh for the girl’s education and repayment of her mother’s DWCRA loan.

Later, the same "constable" informed the victim that a Sub-Inspector had taken a photocopy of the complaint and demanded ₹10 lakh to not proceed with the case. The victim complied. The constable then demanded another ₹1 lakh for himself. He later claimed that the SI had been transferred and a new officer had taken over.

The new impersonator demanded the victim accept another Facebook request. Posing as a police officer, he blackmailed the victim again, citing a case under the POCSO Act for chatting with a minor. The victim paid ₹7.37 lakh.

On the night of April 25, 2025, the victim received a video call from the “minor girl,” who did not appear on screen but asked him to appear. The next day, he received more calls and messages from someone claiming to be from a police station, demanding ₹6.5 lakh for the girl’s grandfather and ₹20 lakh for the SI.

Now, another person claiming to be the SI is continuing the blackmail, demanding ₹26.5 lakh by June 25, 2025, and threatening to file a criminal complaint if the payment is not made. The victim has since filed an online complaint seeking help.

Public Advisory:

Cybercrime police advise the public to stay cautious of online sextortion and romance scams. Fraudsters often use emotional manipulation, fake identities, and impersonation of police officers to extort money.

• Do not accept friend requests from unknown individuals on social media.
• Avoid sharing personal details, photos, or financial information with strangers.
• Never engage in explicit conversations with people you do not know personally.
• Police officials do not demand money to settle cases.
• Preserve all messages, call logs, and proof of transactions.

Victims of cybercrime should immediately call the helpline at 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in. In emergencies related to online frauds, contact or WhatsApp at 8712665171.