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Digital Arrest: Be cautious if someone claiming to be from government agencies like police, CBI, income tax officers, contacts you
Scammers may request video calls, disguising themselves in police uniforms, use government logos, or creating official-sounding background noise to appear legitimate. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Digital Arrest: India’s journey toward a digital-first economy has revolutionised payments, making them more accessible, secure and convenient than ever. While digital payments foster a less-cash ecosystem, staying vigilant is essential to ensure your safety in this rapidly evolving landscape. Spotting potential scams early not only safeguards your finances but also helps create a safer online environment for everyone.
One emerging threat to be aware of is the rise of Digital Arrest scams. Fraudsters, posing as law enforcement officials, manipulate victims into sharing sensitive details or making payments under the pretext of fake legal charges or investigations. Such scams exploit fear and trust, making awareness and caution your best defenses.
What Is A Digital Arrest?
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, with ‘Digital Arrest’ scams being a prime example. In these scams, fraudsters pretend to be law enforcement officials, tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information by making up fake legal cases involving victims or their family members. They initiate contact through phone calls and then switch to video calls using platforms like WhatsApp or Skype.
Trauma For Victims
Victims are threatened with a digital arrest warrant for alleged financial misconduct or other legal violations. Under fear, victims often give in, resulting in financial loss and the risk of identity theft.
By embracing digital payments with caution and spreading awareness, you can safeguard ourselves and accelerate India’s journey toward a secure, digital economy.
To combat this, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) recently outlined tips to identify such scams and practical steps to stay safe while using online payments.
NPCI’s Awareness Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Frauds
How To Identify Potential ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam?
-Unexpected Contact from ‘Officials’: Be cautious if someone claiming to be from government agencies like the police, CBI, income tax officers, or customs agents, contacts you. Be cautious especially if they claim urgent legal action is being initiated or warranted. They might allege that you or one of your family members is involved in a serious crime like money laundering, tax evasion, or drug trafficking.
-Fear-Based Language and Urgency: Scammers may request video calls, disguising themselves in police uniforms, use government logos, or creating official-sounding background noise to appear legitimate. They often threaten arrest or immediate legal action, demanding a quick response and using legal terms to sound convincing. In some cases, they create a police station-like setup to further convince victims of their credibility.
– Request for Sensitive Information or Payment: Scammers may ask for personal information or demand large sums of money, promising that this will clear up your involvement in the alleged crime. They may also coerce you to transfer money to their account until the investigation is complete. Terms like “clearing your name”, “assisting with the investigation”, or “refundable security deposit/escrow account” might be used by them to persuade you into transferring money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs.
Practical Steps To Stay Protected:
-Pause and Verify: If you receive unexpected calls or messages about legal issues, take a moment to verify. Stay calm, as scammers rely on fear and urgency. Real government and law enforcement agencies will never ask for money or investigate cases through phone or video calls. Always confirm the caller’s identity and consult trusted sources before taking any action.
-Use Support Channels: Report suspicious numbers to the national cyber crime helpline by dialing 1930 or the Department of Telecommunication (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/).
-Record and Report: Save messages, take screenshots and document interactions. This can help authorities if you need to file a report.
Digital Arrest News
A 39-year-old software engineer became a victim of a digital arrest scam and lost Rs 11.8 crore when fraudsters impersonating police officials claimed that his Aadhaar card was being misused to open bank accounts for money laundering. The fraud occurred between November 25 and December 12.
According to police, in his complaint, the victim alleged that on November 11, he received a call from a person who claimed to be an officer of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The alleged officer claimed that his SIM card, which was linked to the Aadhaar card, was used for illegal advertisements and harassment messages.
The fraudster further alleged that a case was registered in connection with this in Mumbai’s Colaba Cyber Police Station. The fraudster warned him to keep the matter confidential and also allegedly threatened him that if he did not cooperate with the virtual investigation, he would be physically arrested.
According to the FIR, the victim transferred a total sum of Rs 11.8 crore in multiple transactions to various bank accounts over some time, fearing arrest. However, when they started demanding more money, the victim realised that he had fallen prey to fraudsters and lodged a complaint with the police.
