Beware Of Digital Arrest Scams: How To Protect Yourself From Cyber Fraudsters

Mobile phone is our constant companion. It has become an indispensable part of our lives, but it could also be a window for criminals. A new scam has emerged where fraudsters claim to arrest you digitally. It may sound like science fiction, but the reality is dangerous.

Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be a government official or police officer from a different city. They inform you that you are under investigation for a serious crime, that your bank accounts are being scrutinised, or worse, some drugs have been found in a courier sent by you. While you are worrying about the consequences, the impersonator makes the next move, saying that since you are not in the same city, they are authorised to 'digitally arrest' you. The most crucial thing is that there is nothing called a 'digital arrest'. It is just a ploy to ensnare unsuspecting victims in a web of lies, threats, and coercion.

Dr Ruchika Tandon, an associate professor at SGPGIMS Lucknow, fell victim to fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The fraudsters after claiming to have 'digitally arrested' her weaved a web of deceit and extorted Rs 2.81 crore.

With multiple such incidents being reported from across the country. The government of India has taken steps to combat this growing threat. The authorities have collaborated with Microsoft to block over 1,000 Skype IDs associated with such online frauds. But experts say that scammers use multiple devices and discard the sim cards after every call making it difficult to trace them.

This case is not an isolated incident. Digital fraud is rising by the minute. According to a report by the Reserve Bank of India, bank frauds in the country exceeded Rs 30,000 crore during FY23 alone.

Between January and April 2024, Indians suffered losses exceeding Rs 1,750 crore due to cybercrime activities. This is according to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal which has reported over 740,000 complaints in the first four months of this year.

What should you do if you face online fraud?

If you face any such cyber harassment, fraud or scam then immediately report the suspicious calls or messages to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the official website, http://www.cybercrime.gov.in.

So, how can we protect ourselves from becoming the next victim of digital arrest fraud?

It is crucial to remember that legitimate government agencies and law enforcement officers will never ask for money over the phone or demand that you stay on a video call to avoid arrest. If you receive such a call, do not panic, or comply with any demands. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident to the authorities using the cybercrime helpline or website. It is important to remember that you never share personal information, such as bank account details or identification numbers, over the phone or online unless you are certain of the recipient's identity.