Ophthalmologist threatened in fake Digital Arrest scam

Kothagudem: A Bhadrachalam-based ophthalmologist became the target of a sophisticated digital scam after being threatened via video calls by cybercriminals who falsely claimed that his mobile number and Aadhaar details were linked to illegal activities.

Also Read: Delhi doctor conned of Rs 15 lakh in digital arrest scam

According to Telangana Today, the criminals made several video calls to Dr. Rao on Thursday, alleging that his phone number was being used for unlawful activities. They warned that he would face a “digital arrest” and directed him to appear before the police in Bengaluru.

They went on to allege that 17 criminal cases had been registered against him in Bengaluru, and that another mobile number had been activated using his Aadhaar card without his knowledge.

Alarmed by the threats and fearing for his safety and reputation, the doctor promptly approached the police. A formal complaint was lodged, and the Kothagudem police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident.

This case highlights the growing menace of cyber fraud, especially involving doctors, who are increasingly being targeted through intimidation tactics.

Also Read: Online Trading Scam: Doctor Defrauded of Rs 53 lakh

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that in yet another case of cyber fraud, a 46-year-old doctor from Secunderabad allegedly lost a whopping Rs 53 lakh in an online stock market investment scam after being promised huge returns on the investment. According to news reports, the doctor reportedly transferred his funds to several bank accounts on 18 separate occasions, with amounts ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 13 lakh. Even though his stock market portal showed massive gains, he was unable to withdraw the amount. The scam began between June 17 and July 15 when the doctor was added to a WhatsApp group in mid-June by scammers pretending to be from a reputed brokerage firm.