New scam ‘Digital Arrest’ conquers town; What is it? How to stay safe

This is an organized online economic crime and is learnt to be operated by cross-border crime syndicates.

July 30, 2024

A new scam, known as “Digital Arrest”, has emerged whereby scammers pose as officials and extort money from unsuspecting citizens over video calls.

In May, the government had even issued an alert about their modus operandi, urging citizens to be cautious and informed.

What is a “Digital Arrest” scam?

This is an organized online economic crime and is learnt to be operated by cross-border crime syndicates. The scam typically begins with a video call where the scammers falsely accuse the victim of involvement in illegal activities. These accusations are designed to create panic and compel the victim to comply with financial demands.

Sometimes, they also inform that a near or dear one of the victims has been found to be involved in a crime or an accident and is in their custody. A demand for money is made to compromise the “case”.

Recent cases:

Across the country, several victims have lost large amounts of money to such criminals.

In a recent incident, Dr. Pooja Goel, a prominent doctor based in Noida, was targeted by scammers posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). As per reports, the fraudsters accused her of using her phone number to distribute illegal content. Under duress, Dr. Goel transferred Rs 60 lakh before realizing the scam.

In another similar case, a 72-year-old woman from CR Park, South Delhi, who was deceived by scammers impersonating police personnel. The fraudsters extorted Rs 83 lakh from her by fabricating a legal issue requiring immediate payment.

Efforts by government and cybersecurity to combat threat:

Public awareness: Alerts about the scam and advice on reporting incidents.

Reporting mechanisms: Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or through the website www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Setups to enhance scammers credibility:

Fake offices: Studios are designed to mimic police stations or government offices.

Uniforms: Scammers wear official-looking uniforms to appear legitimate.

Video conferencing tools: Platforms like Skype are used to create a convincing and interactive experience.

Initiatives by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):

Blocking fraudulent accounts: More than 1,000 Skype IDs associated with the scam have been blocked.

Collaborative efforts: Working with Microsoft to shut down fraudulent accounts and block SIM cards and mobile devices used by scammers.

Public alerts: Disseminating information through social media platforms like ‘Cyberdost’ to educate the public for e.g. X, Facebook, Instagram, and others.

How to avoid such scams?

Verify caller identity: Always confirm the identity of individuals claiming to be from official agencies.

Avoid immediate payments: Do not transfer money based on unsolicited calls or video requests.

Seek help: Contact local authorities or trusted individuals if you receive suspicious communications.

Reporting suspicious activity: Prompt reporting to cybercrime authorities is essential to prevent further victimization and assist in law enforcement efforts.