Bengaluru Police Issue Warning On Growing Digital Arrest Scam

The Bengaluru police have issued a warning to the public about a new scam known as 'digital arrest'. This scam involves cybercriminals posing as government officials to extort money. Police Commissioner B Dayananda has urged people to be vigilant and not fall victim to these cybercrimes. He noted that many complaints have been received from individuals who have suffered financial losses due to this scam.

Commissioner Dayananda clarified that there is no such thing as a digital arrest in India. During a press conference, he explained that legal procedures require physical notices or arrests. "We want to reiterate, as we have done multiple times through our social media channels, that there is no concept of digital arrest in our legal statutes or Constitution," he stated. He emphasised that any arrest must be followed by presenting the individual before a magistrate within 24 hours.

Scam Targets and Prevention

A notable case involved a 39-year-old software engineer who lost Rs 11.8 crore to this scam. The fraudsters pretended to be police officers and claimed his Aadhaar card was used for illegal bank accounts. They threatened him with physical arrest for money laundering activities linked to his identity.

The engineer was also contacted by someone asking him to download Skype. During a video call, a man dressed in what appeared to be a Mumbai police uniform alleged that the engineer's Aadhaar was used for transactions worth Rs 6 crore. To avoid supposed legal action, the engineer transferred Rs 11.8 crore across various accounts over time.

Public Advisory and Assistance

Commissioner Dayananda advised the public against answering unknown calls or sharing personal information like Aadhaar or PAN card numbers with strangers. "If you receive suspicious calls or video calls, remain alert," he warned. He suggested verifying any claims through local police stations or trusted sources.

For those affected by such scams, Commissioner Dayananda recommended calling 1930 for assistance in tracing and blocking fraudulent accounts. This step could help recover lost funds and prevent further financial damage.

The Bengaluru police continue their efforts to educate the public about these scams through various channels. Their goal is to reduce the number of victims falling prey to such fraudulent activities by spreading awareness and providing guidance on how to handle suspicious situations.