August 14, 2025, Vijayawada A shocking police report has revealed that 10% of cybercrime victims in Andhra Pradesh are senior citizens, with fraudsters targeting their life savings through WhatsApp scams, fake investment pitches, and terrifying “digital arrest” tricks.
Dreams of Millionaires Become Nightmares
A 64-year-old man from Visakhapatnam was among the worst affected; he lost an astounding ₹5.25 crore in a WhatsApp “investment” scam that promised enormous profits. Another senior from the same city was defrauded of ₹36 lakh after being accused of money laundering over a video call by scammers posing as law enforcement.
Using Fear as a Weapon
A retired schoolteacher in Vijayawada fell victim to a digital arrest scam in which criminals threatened to file a fictitious lawsuit against her unless she paid “bail money.” In the end, she transferred ₹31 lakh to syndicate-controlled accounts.
How Scams Operate
According to police, scammers use phony profiles, edited videos, and fear-based tactics to coerce seniors into sending money by taking advantage of their trust and lack of digital awareness.
According to a senior officer, “these gangs are extremely sophisticated and frequently operate from multiple countries.” “They use emotional manipulation to undermine victims’ resistance.”
Demand Immediate Action
In order to identify fraud early, cybercrime units are advocating for widespread awareness campaigns aimed at families, bank employees, and seniors. Additionally, authorities are collaborating with financial institutions to flag high-risk transactions in real time and with telecom companies to block suspicious numbers.
The Emotional Injuries Are Profound
In addition to monetary loss, victims report strained family ties, long-lasting anxiety, and a loss of trust. One survivor remarked, “It’s unbelievable that people can be so cruel.”
