A 70-year-old retired employee was allegedly cheated of around ₹38 lakh after accepting a Facebook friend request from an account posing as a woman. Hyderabad Cyber Crimes police have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the alleged extortion case.
According to the police, the incident began through online conversations and later escalated into blackmail, with the victim allegedly being threatened with criminal action over fabricated accusations involving a minor.
Facebook Friend Request Allegedly Led to Blackmail
The retired employee reportedly received a friend request from a Facebook account that appeared to belong to a woman. After accepting the request, the two began communicating online.
Police said the person operating the account initially sought financial assistance, citing personal and household needs. As communication continued, the interaction reportedly became more personal and was used to establish the victim's trust.
The conversations eventually became sexually explicit, following which the victim was allegedly threatened with accusations of sexual misconduct involving a minor.
Investigators believe these threats were used to pressure the elderly man into making repeated payments.
₹38 Lakh Allegedly Extorted From Victim
According to the case details, the victim was allegedly subjected to continued demands for money after being threatened with criminal consequences.
Police said such fraud schemes can involve multiple stages. After establishing contact through a fake social media identity, fraudsters may request money and later use private conversations or fabricated allegations as leverage.
In some cases, criminals may also impersonate police officers or other authorities to make the threats appear credible and push victims into making further payments.
In this case, the alleged financial loss ultimately reached approximately ₹38 lakh.
Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Arrest 26-Year-Old
Hyderabad Cyber Crimes police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the case. The accused is reportedly from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district.
Police also seized two mobile phones during the investigation.
The probe is focused on the alleged use of a fraudulent online identity to establish contact with the victim, gain his confidence and subsequently extort money through threats.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
Why Social Media Blackmail Scams Are a Concern
The case highlights how online fraud can move beyond straightforward financial deception. Criminals may first build a relationship with a target before using fear, embarrassment or threats of legal action to demand money.
Senior citizens can be particularly vulnerable when unfamiliar online contacts use convincing identities or impersonate authorities.
Police have advised users to be cautious when accepting requests from unknown people and to avoid sending money to individuals they have only met online.
Families can also help elderly relatives recognise suspicious online behaviour and encourage them to seek assistance quickly if they receive threats or unusual payment demands.
What to Do If a Fraudster Claims to Be Police
A person receiving a threatening call from someone claiming to be a police officer should avoid making payments simply because the caller threatens arrest or prosecution.
Instead, the person should end the interaction and independently contact the relevant authorities through verified channels.
Anyone who suspects that money has been obtained through cyber fraud can also seek professional support for a Financial Investigation through the appropriate service channel.
Report Cyber Fraud Quickly
Police have advised victims of cybercrime to report incidents through India's cybercrime reporting mechanisms, including the helpline 1930.
Early reporting can be important in financial fraud cases because authorities may have an opportunity to investigate transactions and pursue the movement of funds.
Most importantly, victims should not remain silent because of embarrassment or fear. Reporting the incident promptly can help investigators identify the people involved and may assist in tracing the financial trail.
The Hyderabad case serves as another warning that an apparently ordinary social-media connection can develop into a serious financial and psychological pressure tactic. Users should verify unfamiliar online identities, avoid sharing sensitive information and seek help immediately when online conversations turn threatening or coercive.