Digital Arrest: Cyber fraud is refined in the rapidly developing digital world, and one of the most worrying risks is Digital Arrest fraud. In contrast to other types of cyber fraud, digital arrests use criminals who pretend to be law enforcement officers to send money to victims or force victims to release their personal information.
This method may be known to you if you have ever received suspicious calls or messages from someone pretending to be a government employee.
Digital Arrest Scam: What Is It?
Cybercriminals utilize a deceptive technique called a “digital arrest” to falsely accuse people of breaking the law, frequently by stating that a Digital Arrest order is in place. These con artists impersonate representatives of agencies like the income tax department, customs, or even central investigating agency to coerce you into making a payment or divulging private information.
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Mode of Operation
- False Authority Claims: The fraudster will be set up as a representative or member of law enforcement agencies.
- Threat of Arrest: The victim will notify the fraudster that a fictitious arrest has been issued, with the name of an unpaid tax, customs violation, or other false claim.
- Request for Video Communication: To make the conversation look more authentic, victims are often pressured to switch to video calls via apps such as Skype and WhatsApp.
- Fake Police Station Setup: To gain the faith of the victim, the con artist can create a realistic background for the police station.
- Demand for Money: In order to “settle the matter” and prevent arrest, victims are then coerced into paying a charge, frequently using a bank transfer or UPI ID.
Several real example of digital arrest scams
- Income Tax Fraud: Someone impersonating an income tax officer called a professional in Mumbai and threatened to digitally arrest them right away for unpaid taxes. The victim gave the scammer ₹50,000 out of fear of legal repercussions.
- Customs Violation Hoax: After being falsely charged of customs breaches pertaining to an international package they had never bought, a resident of Chennai was tricked into paying a substantial sum.
- Social Media Targeting: Someone posing as a representative of a cybercrime department reached out to an influencer on Instagram, accusing them of violating copyright. In order to prevent additional legal action, they were required to pay a “fine.”
How to protect yourself Against Online Digital Arrest Fraud?
Here are some doable actions to protect you:
- Check the Source: Get the name, organization, and phone number of anyone claiming to be an official. Verify this information again by getting in touch with the agency via the appropriate methods.
- Be Wary of Requests for Immediate Payment: Reputable authorities would never ask for immediate payments over the phone or through online transactions.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Avoid giving out private information online or over the phone, including bank account information, OTPs, and Aadhaar numbers.
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- Report Unusual Calls: Go to www.sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/ to record suspected fraudulent communications acquired via smartphone, SMS, or WhatsApp and for any instances of cybercrime call 1930 or go through www.cybercrime.gov.in.
- Remain Informed: Follow updates from dependable assets, including Union bank of India, which regularly informs consumer’s approximately online fraud, to become familiar with the most latest frauds.