cyber fraudsters continue to exploit vulnerable populations using fake bank communications and fabricated authority threats. In a recent digital arrest scam, a 60-year-old woman from Hyderabad lost Rs10 lakh after being manipulated into believing she was under investigation.
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police arrested Prathap Kesari Pradhan (32), a resident of Thirumalashettyhalli, Bengaluru, and an employee of AU Small Finance Bank. He is accused of sharing customer bank account details with scammers in exchange for commissions. His involvement spans across seven fraud cases nationwide, including two in Telangana.
On July 4, the victim received a call from a man claiming to be Pradip Sawant, a police officer from Andheri-East, Mumbai. He falsely informed her that her Aadhaar card and bank accounts were linked to a money laundering case.
The woman was coerced into a six-hour video conference involving imposters posing as police and RBI officials, who threatened her with jail time and fines unless she transferred funds to “trace the fraudsters.” In fear, she withdrew money from her fixed deposit and sent Rs10,02,047 to an account later traced to Pradhan.
The victim was shown fake documents, including letters allegedly from CBI, RBI, and ED, as well as a counterfeit police ID.
Investigators found that Pradhan, working as a Customer Relations Officer, misused his position by collecting customer credentials and sharing them via WhatsApp with cybercriminals.
He has been linked to similar scams including the recent Rs43 lakh IPO scam involving fraudsters posing as Axis Bank security personnel.
Authorities urge citizens to stay alert and never trust calls requesting money transfers under pressure or threats.
