By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Introduction
In an alarming case of cyber fraud, a Hyderabad-based scientist has fallen victim to a sophisticated scam orchestrated by cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement and judicial authorities. The scientist was swindled out of ₹13.4 million (₹1.34 crore) in a meticulously planned fake court scam. This case has not only highlighted the evolving nature of cybercrime in India but also raised serious questions about public awareness and digital safety measures.
The Modus Operandi of the Scam
According to police reports and investigative agencies, the scam began when the victim, a respected scientist working at a reputed research institution in Hyderabad, received a call purportedly from a courier company. The caller claimed that a parcel in the scientist’s name, allegedly containing illegal items, had been intercepted in Mumbai. The call was then redirected to individuals posing as officials from the Mumbai Police and later, a fake virtual court.
The victim was informed that his identity was being misused for illegal transactions, including money laundering. To lend credibility, the fraudsters conducted what appeared to be a video conference court hearing. The participants wore official-looking uniforms and used forged documents bearing government logos. The visuals of the ‘courtroom’ were designed to intimidate and convince the victim of the legitimacy of the case.
Psychological Manipulation and Coercion
A key element of this scam was psychological manipulation. The criminals exploited the victim’s fear of legal consequences and tarnished reputation. They told him that he was under investigation by national agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Narcotics Control Bureau. The victim was warned not to disclose the matter to anyone, citing the “confidential nature” of the investigation.
Under duress, the scientist was instructed to transfer money into multiple bank accounts as a “security deposit” and “case verification fee” to avoid arrest and further legal complications. Over a span of several days, the victim transferred ₹13.4 million in various transactions to different accounts.
Delayed Realization and Reporting
It was only after the funds were fully transferred and no further communication was received from the so-called authorities that the victim began to suspect foul play. He then approached the Cyber Crime Police in Hyderabad and lodged a formal complaint. An FIR was filed, and investigations are currently underway to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.
Cybersecurity experts believe the fraudsters operated from outside India, possibly using spoofed numbers, fake digital identities, and VPN services to avoid detection. The accounts used to receive the money were reportedly opened using forged KYC documents and were promptly emptied after the transactions.
Rise in Similar Cases Across India
This case is not isolated. Law enforcement agencies have recorded a sharp rise in scams involving impersonation of government officials, especially through virtual means. Fraudsters are increasingly using advanced technologies like deepfakes, voice cloning, and simulated video conferencing environments to convince victims of their authenticity.
In 2024 alone, dozens of similar cases have been reported across major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Victims range from retired professionals to working individuals in the tech and education sectors. The common thread is the use of fear tactics, impersonation of law enforcement, and instructions to maintain secrecy.
Authorities’ Response and Advisory
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Division has issued advisories to the public warning against such scams. They have urged citizens to verify any legal notices or investigation claims through official channels, never to transfer money based on threats over calls or video conferencing, and to report suspicious activity immediately.
They have also reiterated that no law enforcement agency will conduct court hearings via video calls, nor will they demand money transfers under threat. Awareness campaigns are being planned in collaboration with technology companies and financial institutions to educate the public about these evolving threats.
Digital Safety: Need for Vigilance
This incident underscores the critical need for digital literacy and vigilance, especially among educated professionals who might otherwise consider themselves immune to fraud. Scammers are no longer relying on low-effort phishing emails; they are leveraging psychological pressure, impersonation, and technology to target even the most informed individuals.
As cybercrime becomes more advanced and convincing, a coordinated effort between the public, government, and private sector is essential to curb its spread.