Noida Cyber Police Issue Advisory on 'Digital Arrest' Scam Surge

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Cyber Crime Police Station has issued a comprehensive advisory to alert the public about the rising threat of cybercrime. The advisory outlines several common scams and provides essential precautions for citizens.

One scam involves calls from unknown or international numbers on mobile phones or WhatsApp. The caller often pretends to be an official from the Customs Department, Narcotics Department, or CBI. They claim that the recipient's documents were found in a suspicious package containing drugs, documents, clothing, an Aadhar card, and a SIM card.

Digital House Arrest Tactic

Cybercriminals use a tactic called digital house arrest to confine victims to their homes. Offenders generate fear by making audio or video calls, frequently posing as law enforcement officers using AI-generated voices or video technology. The caller alleges that these items were used for money laundering or hawala transactions, and the recipient's bank accounts are under investigation.

The caller often threatens the recipient with FIR registration and the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBW). During these calls, the fraudster often shares fake departmental IDs to gain the victim's trust. They then instruct the victim to connect via Skype or WhatsApp video call, where they continue to intimidate and control the victim, restricting them from contacting family members.

Precautions and Reporting

The police emphasised verifying any suspicious calls, especially those received via WhatsApp or video calls. They recommended checking the caller's number or credentials through official channels and not relying on search engines like Google, as cybercriminals often upload fake helpline numbers.

If a suspicious call claims that legal action is being taken or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell. The advisory also cautioned against downloading apps or clicking on links sent by unknown callers and urged citizens to inform family members about such threats.

In case of any threatening or suspicious WhatsApp calls, individuals are advised to contact the police helpline at 112 or the cyber helpline at 1930.

Ongoing Investigations

Preliminary findings suggest that these cybercriminals are operating from Jaipur, Bhilwara, and Bikaner in Rajasthan. Significant leads have been obtained from these regions, and efforts are underway to dismantle the gang involved, according to the police.

Led by ACP Cyber Crime Vivek Ranjan Rai and Inspector-in-Charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station Vijay Kumar, the Noida Police said they are actively conducting investigations and plan to arrest the perpetrators soon.

The advisory noted that in recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations. The victim is coerced into transferring funds from their bank accounts, including fixed deposits, to the scammers' accounts under the pretext of a legal investigation.