How a Chandigarh Resident Lost Rs.51 Lakh to a Sophisticated ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
How a Chandigarh Resident Lost ₹51 Lakh to a Sophisticated 'Digital Arrest' Scam
How a Chandigarh resident lost ₹51 lakh to a sophisticated online fraud scheme that preys on fear and misinformation.
In a startling revelation, Harinath, a resident of Chandigarh, has become a victim of a new and alarming online scam known as “digital arrest.” This scheme involves fraudsters impersonating police officers or government officials to intimidate individuals, monitoring their activities via video calls, and ultimately coercing them into transferring money.
Harinath’s ordeal began when scammers contacted him, claiming that he was involved in a massive financial transaction amounting to ₹6.8 crores, with a 10% portion allegedly linked to his name. A fake police officer threatened him with immediate arrest if he didn’t comply. Over the next 22 days, Harinath, in a state of fear and confusion, transferred a staggering ₹51.02 lakh to the scammers, believing he was cooperating with an ongoing investigation by the RBI, CBI, and even the Supreme Court.
He describes the terrifying experience, saying, “I was scared. I did not try to verify anything.” The scammers kept him under the guise of “house arrest,” demanding constant communication and money transfers. Harinath emphasizes the importance of not trusting anyone regarding financial matters and urges victims to inform their families immediately if they receive such calls.
The issue of digital arrests has escalated in India, prompting discussions in the national forum, including a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on October 27. The Prime Minister advised citizens to remain vigilant against these fraudsters, who prey on the fears of individuals from all walks of life.
In response to the rising threat of digital arrests, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to investigate such scams. This committee, monitored by the Secretary of the Home Ministry’s Internal Security, aims to take immediate action against the perpetrators. The Ministry’s Cybercrime Coordination Centre, known as 14C, is actively working with police forces across states and union territories to address this growing concern.
So far in 2024, over 6,000 digital arrest complaints have been filed, leading to the blocking of 6 lakh mobile numbers associated with these scams. The Cybercrime Coordination Centre has also shut down 709 fraudulent mobile applications and frozen 3.25 lakh fake bank accounts linked to cyber fraud.
As online scams become more sophisticated, it’s crucial for individuals to remain cautious and informed, verifying any unusual requests for money and communicating with trusted family members or friends.
