In digital arrest scams, fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials to deceive their victims. Deposit. | Photo credit: Reuters

A recent scam has emerged resulting in large financial losses to individuals and businesses, amounting to billions of rupees, under the guise of appearance of “digital arrest”. In digital arrest scams, fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials to deceive their victims. PM Modi also issued a warning to the public regarding this scam, urging them to report any such incidents to the cyberhelpline. Furthermore, the India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has provided a list of methods whereby these fraudsters carry out online scams, including the digital arrest scam.

What is a digital arrest scam?

A digital arrest scam is an online scam that defrauds victims of their hard-earned money. Scammers intimidate victims and falsely accuse them of illegal activities. They then demand money and pressure them to make payment.

How does the digital arrest scam work?

In digital arrest scams, perpetrators pose as law enforcement officials, such as CBI officers, Income Tax officers or customs officials, and establish contact with the victims via phone calls. Subsequently, they ask victims to switch to video communication via platforms like WhatsApp and Skype. Scammers then threaten victims with a digital arrest warrant, citing various reasons such as financial misconduct, tax evasion, or other violations of the law. In some cases, these scammers create a system similar to a police station to further convince victims that the call is legitimate. Under the guise of “clearing their name”, “assisting in the investigation” or “refundable security deposit/escrow account”, individuals are forced to transfer large sums of money to specified bank accounts or credentials UPI. Once victims comply and make payment, the scammers disappear, leaving victims facing financial losses and possible identity theft.

How to avoid falling victim to a digital arrest scam?

The most important way to protect yourself from scams is to be aware of them. Always remain vigilant against such crimes. Here are some tips to protect yourself from digital arrest scams:

Be wary of calls from fake officials claiming you are in trouble. It is always important to remember that real law enforcement officials will never ask for payment or bank details.

Do not give in to the “pressure tactics” deployed by cybercriminals, who seek to act quickly by creating “a sense of urgency”.

If you have any doubts about the call, verify its identity by directly contacting the relevant agency to which it refers. Try to be calm and don’t panic.

Avoid sharing personal information and never disclose sensitive personal or financial details over the phone or video call, especially to unknown numbers.

Remember that government agencies do not use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype for official communications.

If you think you are being scammed, always remember to report the incident to the local police or cybercrime authorities.

The CERT-In public advisory states that it is crucial to remain “vigilant and informed” to protect against this “emerging cyber threat.”

What to do if you fall victim to a digital arrest scam and lose money?

If you are the victim of a digital arrest scam, the first step is to immediately report your bank and freeze your account.

File a complaint with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

Always keep all evidence you have: call details, transaction details, messages, etc.

Seek the help of an attorney if necessary.