A 55-year-old government employee based in Hyderabad became the latest victim of the online "digital arrests" menace.
The victim was swindled out of Rs 48 lakh after cyber criminals contacted him with threats of a digital arrest.
It started with the employee receiving a call from a person who claimed to be from the CBI in Delhi. The conman told the employee that transactions of Rs 20 crore to 30 crore had been done through his Bank of Baroda account that amounted to money laundering, and that a non-bailable arrest warrant was out for his arrest.
The employee was warned of losing his government job and a 3-7 year jail sentence for the offence, and was made to send Rs 48 lakh via RTGS and warned not to discuss the issue with anyone.
The employee realised later that he was cheated, and complained to the cyber police who are investigating the offence.
Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and not panic if they receive such calls. "Digital arrest" is a fabrication, and the best course of action is to immediately report such incidents to the cyber crime police.