New Digital Arrest cyber fraud is causing widespread terror in India: What is it and how to stay safe?

A new form of cybercrime known as “digital arrest” scams is emerging, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials, such as customs officers or police personnel, to deceive individuals into believing they are facing imminent digital arrest for fabricated legal violations.

In a recent case, a 23-year-old woman from Faridabad fell victim to this scam, losing Rs 2.5 lakh to cybercriminals who posed as customs officers.

The perpetrators, through digital communication methods like video messages or calls, create a sense of urgency and fear, manipulating victims with false evidence, threatening language, and demands for significant payments to avoid supposed legal consequences.

In the mentioned case, the victim was coerced into believing she was involved in a passport trafficking case and may have to pay Rs 15 lakh to avoid a “digital arrest.” She finally settled the issue for Rs 2.5 Lakhs. The fraudsters warned her not to log off Skype during the ordeal.

Law enforcement authorities are treating this cyber fraud case seriously and emphasize the need for investigation.

To stay safe from such scams, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Stay sharp, stay aware: Be aware of common scams and tactics used by fraudsters, including digital arrest scams.

Always verify who is calling: If contacted by someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, verify their identity by asking for official credentials and contact information.

Don’t panic: Stay calm and question the legitimacy of the situation. Genuine legal matters are typically handled through formal procedures, not immediate threats.

Never share personal information, especially your banking details: Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown or unverified individuals.

Always double-check claims and ask for documents: Independently verify information about legal allegations. Contact local law enforcement agencies or legal authorities through official channels to confirm the authenticity of any claims.

Only use official channels for communication: Legitimate law enforcement agencies communicate through official channels. If in doubt, independently contact the relevant agency using publicly available contact information.

Keep yourself updated: Familiarize yourself with common signs of scams, such as unsolicited calls demanding money, threats of immediate legal action, and requests for payment via unconventional methods.