Cybercrime is on the rise, with new scams targeting unsuspecting citizens every day. This week, India witnessed a fake CBI ‘digital arrest’ scam, a massive ₹43.3 crore recovery for fraud victims, a fake loan call center bust, a 140% surge in cyber fraud cases in Odisha, and the rescue of 300 Indians trapped in overseas scam centers. Let’s examine the cases.
1. The Digital Arrest Scam, ₹44.50 Lakh Extorted in Delhi
Virender Kumar Indora, a resident of Delhi, received a call that sent chills down his spine. The caller, impersonating an officer from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), accused him of involvement in a financial crime. They claimed his bank transactions were linked to a money laundering case and that a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Panicked and eager to avoid imprisonment, Virender followed their instructions. He was coerced into transferring ₹44.50 lakh over multiple transactions to what he believed were government accounts. Only later did he realize he had been duped.
Fortunately, the Delhi Police cybercrime unit traced the fraudulent transactions and apprehended four individuals operating this racket. Officials have warned citizens to never make payments under duress and to verify such claims directly with authorities.
Read More (https://indianexpress.com)
2. Record-Breaking Refunds: Telangana Recovers ₹43.3 Crore for Cyber Fraud Victims
In a landmark initiative, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), in collaboration with the State Legal Services Authority and financial institutions, facilitated the refund of ₹43.3 crore to 4,961 cyber fraud victims during the National Mega Lok Adalat held on March 8, 2025.
This massive refund effort underscores the commitment of TGCSB and its partners in addressing the rising menace of cybercrime. The event witnessed a high volume of cases being processed, reaffirming law enforcement’s dedication to restoring stolen funds.
Notably, in 2024, TGCSB facilitated refunds totaling ₹183.92 crore to 17,912 victims, setting a national benchmark for cybercrime resolution. Since the initiation of the Lok Adalat refund mechanism on February 20, 2024, a staggering ₹191.21 crore has been refunded to 21,722 victims.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant against cyber fraud by adopting preventive measures. It is crucial not to share personal or banking details over calls or emails from unknown sources. Customer care numbers should be verified only from official websites before making transactions.
Additionally, individuals should avoid clicking on suspicious links received via SMS, email, or social media. In case of cyber fraud, victims are encouraged to report incidents immediately within the golden hour by calling 1930 or filing a complaint on www.cybercrime.gov.in.
3. Fake Call Center Targeting Job Seekers Busted in Delhi
In a crackdown, the Delhi Police dismantled a fraudulent call center that preyed on job seekers by impersonating human resources representatives from reputed banks and companies. The operation led to the arrest of 18 individuals, including two key suspects, Gaurav Dargan and Piyush Malhotra.
The investigation began on January 30, when a victim filed an online complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). The complainant, actively seeking employment, had uploaded their resume on multiple job portals. On January 25, they received a call from a man claiming to represent a well-known bank, directing them to take an online test, which they were unable to complete. Subsequently, they were advised to visit a website to take an online course, purportedly necessary for securing the job. Trusting the caller, the complainant communicated further through another number provided by the scammers.
Misled into believing this was a legitimate employment opportunity, the complainant was asked to pay a course or training fee. The fraudsters also gained access to their bank details, prompting legal action.
To apprehend the perpetrators, a special team was formed. Through analysis of call records, IMEI tracking, and email-linked accounts, the police traced key suspects. A raid in Janakpuri on March 7 led to the arrest of Dargan and Malhotra. Further interrogations revealed the existence of a fake call center operating near Mata Chandan Devi Hospital in Janakpuri. Acting on this information, the team raided the site, apprehending 16 more suspects, including two women.
The gang exploited job seekers by impersonating HR professionals from legitimate companies. Victims were lured with false promises of employment and coerced into paying fees for registration and training. However, no actual job offers materialized, and their money was siphoned off.
During the raid, police seized eight mobile phones with SIM cards, eight laptops, one Apple desktop, five routers, two CPUs, and two monitors. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims and potential accomplices involved in the racket.
Authorities urge job seekers to verify employment offers directly with companies and to be cautious of unsolicited calls requesting personal information or payments.
4. Odisha Sees a 142% Surge in Cyber Fraud Complaints
Odisha has experienced an alarming rise in cyber fraud complaints, with a 142% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. The state recorded 43,740 financial fraud incidents, resulting in losses exceeding ₹415.90 crore.
In Bhubaneswar alone, 7,263 cybercrime complaints were filed in 2024, marking a significant rise from 4,832 cases in 2023. The total fraud amount in the city surged to over ₹82.53 crore.
The Commissionerate Police have intensified efforts to combat this surge by organizing awareness programs and enhancing monitoring. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, verify unsolicited communications, and report suspicious activities.
5. 300 Indians Rescued from Southeast Asian Scam Centers
In an operation, India has repatriated 283 citizens who were lured to Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, under the pretense of lucrative job offers but were instead coerced into participating in cybercrime activities within scam compounds.
These individuals were trafficked into regions along the Thailand-Myanmar border, notorious for housing cyber scam centers operated by criminal networks. The United Nations estimates that such operations have ensnared hundreds of thousands globally, generating billions in illicit revenues.
The coordinated rescue involved Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand working with local authorities. The rescued nationals were flown back to India aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft from Mae Sot, Thailand.
This operation is part of a broader international effort to dismantle scam centers in the region. Recently, Thailand arrested 100 individuals linked to these fraudulent operations, and countries like China and Indonesia have also repatriated their citizens trapped in similar circumstances.
The Indian government has issued advisories urging citizens to verify the credentials of foreign employers and recruiting agents before accepting overseas job offers to prevent such exploitation.
If you suspect a scam, report it immediately via the National Cyber Crime Portal or at your local police station. You can also get help from our Complaint Hub Citizen Community.
Cyber Notes by
Cybersecurity Team, Complaint Hub