What's Digital Arrest And How To Deal With It?
Never share important personal or financial information over the phone or in video conversations, especially to unknown numbers.
With cybercrime evolving rapidly, fraudsters are now deploying digital arrest scams to intimidate victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.
Unlike conventional cyber fraud, this scheme preys on fear, using fake court orders, fabricated charges and coercive tactics to extort money. Let's take a look in detail at what digital arrest scams are and how to deal with them.
What's The Scam?
A digital arrest scam is an online scam used by fraudsters to falsely accuse their victims of unlawful activity. These cybercriminals pose as government officials from customs, the income tax department or even central investigative agencies. They then demand money or ask you to provide sensitive personal details.
How Does It Work?
In a digital arrest scam, offenders pose as government authorities and contact their victims through calls or messages. The fraudsters then threaten the victims with a digital arrest warrant for a variety of reasons, such as financial misconduct, tax evasion and other legal offenses.
In some of the cases, they also ask for a video call where they set up a fake police station background to appear legitimate. The victims are then pressured to make payments to resolve the issue, which is falsely described as a refundable security deposit or part of an investigation. When the money is received, the scammers vanish without a trace.
How To Avoid Becoming A Victim?
The most important strategy to avoid getting scammed is to be aware and always remain vigilant against such crimes. When receiving a suspicious call, it is always important to remember that genuine authorities will never ask for money or banking information.
If you are doubtful about the call, confirm their identification by calling the agency they are referring to. Try to remain calm and avoid panic.
Avoid giving personal information and never share important personal or financial information over the phone or in video conversations, especially to unknown numbers.
If you believe you have been scammed, never forget to report the occurrence to the local police or cybercrime authorities.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken action against digital arrest scams by blocking 83,668 WhatsApp accounts and 3,962 Skype IDs. The government has also disabled 7.81 lakh SIM cards and over 2 lakh IMEI numbers flagged by police authorities as of Feb. 28.
