A 76-year-old retired government doctor in Hyderabad died from a heart attack after enduring nearly 70 hours of psychological harassment by cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement. The case highlights the rising danger of “digital arrest” scams in India, particularly for vulnerable older adults.
Police report that on September 5, 2025, the victim received a WhatsApp video call from people identifying themselves as officers of the Bengaluru Police. They accused her falsely of involvement in human trafficking and misuse of Aadhaar ID, and threatened her with legal action under severe laws.
These fraudsters used forged documents showing logos of the Supreme Court, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to make the threats seem credible.
Under sustained threat, she transferred Rs 6.6 lakh from her pension account to an account controlled by the fraudsters. They forced her to share transaction slips and continued harassment through video calls and messages.
Over the next three days, psychological pressure escalated. On September 8, she complained of severe chest pain and collapsed. She was rushed to Osmania General Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival due to a cardiac arrest. Even after her death, scammers continued sending messages to her phone.
Her family and police discovered the extent of the fraud only after her passing, and registered a case. The Hyderabad Cybercrime Police have filed an FIR under sections of cheating and impersonation, and an investigation is underway to trace the bank accounts and phone numbers used by the fraudsters.
The term “digital arrest” refers to scams where perpetrators impersonate law enforcement or government officials via phone calls, video calls, or messages. They falsely allege serious criminal charges and demand payment to “clear one’s name.” Victims are often forced into continuous digital surveillance, calls or video sessions, so they cannot seek help.
Scammers usually present forged documents or legal paperwork, manipulate victims into financial transactions, and create fear by threatening arrest or legal consequences under severe laws.
Prolonged fear, anxiety, and psychological stress can trigger cardiovascular problems in older adults, including increased risk of heart attacks.1 The isolation caused by fraudsters demanding victims to stay on phone/video calls often leads to significant mental strain. Vulnerable persons, especially retirees living alone or with limited social support, suffer more. Digital arrest scams have surged in various Indian cities.
According to Telangana Police, more than 120 cases of “digital arrest” scams have been reported in Hyderabad in 2025 alone, with cumulative losses running into several crores.
A senior Hyderabad Police officer stated, “We urge citizens never to trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement. Real police will never ask for money over calls or video chats. Immediate reporting to the cybercrime helpline 1930 can help prevent financial loss.”
Elderly people commonly report threats, extortion, and impersonation. Government, Police and cybercrime units have issued multiple advisories.
Reference:
1. Satyjeet, Fnu, et al. "Psychological Stress as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease: A Case-Control Study." Cureus 12, no. 10 (2020): e10757. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.10757.
(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)