Jagran English
Lucknow: While the digital age has brought about incredible convenience, it has also given rise to a new class of cybercriminals who use technology to trick innocent people. One of the most dangerous and concerning scams that is surfacing in recent times is the “Digital Arrest.”
In this new scam, the fraudsters pose as law enforcement officers and demand money from their targets by creating a panic situation.
Usually, the scam starts with an unsolicited phone call or video call from someone posing as a representative of a government entity, including the police, the CBI, or other law enforcement organisations. These con artists use a range of strategies to instill fear in their targets:
- False Accusations: The callers falsely claim that the victim has committed significant crimes such as financial fraud, drug trafficking, or money laundering.
- Threat of Arrest: If the victim doesn’t comply, the con artists use the threat of an instant arrest to instill a sense of urgency.
- Isolation and intimidation: In order to keep things under control, victims are frequently told to spend a lot of time on the video call. This keeps them from asking for assistance or double-checking the information.
- Financial Demands: Getting money out of the victim is the ultimate objective. Scammers frequently want early payments for bail, avoid negative publicity, and cover legal fees.
- Psychological Manipulation: The fraudsters heighten the victim’s emotional state and make them more vulnerable by using techniques like fake sobbing noises for the background or posing as family members.
What are the Common Pretexts Used by Scammers in Digital Arrest?
- Parcel Scam: The victim is informed that a parcel containing illegal items has been intercepted, and they are implicated in the crime.
- Involvement of Family Members: The scammers claim that a family member is involved in a crime and needs immediate financial assistance.
- Aadhaar or Phone Number Misuse: The victim is accused of using their Aadhaar or phone number for illegal activities.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest?
While the digital arrest scam is highly sophisticated, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- Beware of Unsolicited Calls: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies.
- Verify Information: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, verify their identity by contacting the agency directly through official channels.
- Never Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal details like bank account numbers, credit card information, or passwords with anyone over the phone or online.
- Stay Calm: Scammers rely on fear and panic. If you feel pressured or threatened, end the call immediately.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and share information with your family and friends.
- Report the Scam: If you believe you have been a victim of a digital arrest scam, report it to the local police and cybercrime authorities.
Law enforcement agencies and government bodies are actively working to combat the digital arrest scam. They have issued public advisories, blocked fraudulent phone numbers, and are investigating cases to apprehend the culprits. However, prevention is key. By being aware of the scam and taking necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim.
