India cybercrime police probe major fraud scams targeting seniors and doctors

Police in India have opened investigations into two separate cyber fraud scams that defrauded victims of large sums of money. In Kolkata, a 77‑year‑old man was duped out of Rs 53 lakh after fraudsters impersonated CBI officers, Supreme Court judges and other officials in a “digital arrest” scam that lasted nearly three months. The victim was persuaded to transfer money for a fictitious verification process, prompting the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police to file a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

In Hyderabad, a 60‑year‑old doctor lost more than Rs 3 lakh after falling for an online advertisement promising a helicopter‑based Char Dham pilgrimage. The scammers sent fabricated tickets and hotel confirmations before the fraud was uncovered when the doctor contacted the alleged service providers. The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have also registered a case and are investigating the incident.

Both cases illustrate how fraudsters exploit trust in government and religious travel services, prompting authorities to warn the public that legitimate law‑enforcement agencies never request money via video calls or online bookings.