TRENDING

Indians Lose Rs 120 Crore To Digital Arrest Scams - Know Warning Signs And Stay Safe

Targets are forced to stay on video calls for hours asked not to contact others and told to transfer money for investigative processes.

Digital arrest scam
Indians Lose Rs 120 Crore To Digital Arrest Scams - Know Warning Signs And Stay Safe

Don't Fall Prey to Fake Law Enforcement Calls, Verify and Report.

A whopping Rs 120 crore – that’s the staggering amount Indians lost to digital arrest scams in just the first quarter of 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned Indians while talking on Sunday’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio about digital arrest frauds where scamsters pose as law enforcement officials. Between January and April, Indians lost Rs 120 crore to these scams.


PM Modi stated that law enforcement officials never contact people by phone for investigations. Scammers claim to be law enforcement officials, telling targets they’re accused in a criminal case and have been put under “digital arrest.”

Targets are forced to stay on video calls for hours asked not to contact others and told to transfer money for investigative processes. Scammers use sophisticated techniques like fake police uniforms, staged court hearings and forged government notices.

Cyber experts say the fear of arrest is the scamsters’ most potent weapon. The elderly are more vulnerable due to a lack of digital literacy. Scammers obtain bank accounts from poor people, routing money quickly to multiple accounts which further makes tracking difficult.

Experts suggest that police and investigation agencies must understand why citizens panic when receiving calls from fake law enforcement officials. India’s lack of data privacy also aids scammers. To combat this, data leaks must be fixed, they said.

Many individuals who have fallen prey to this  digital arrest scams have taken to social media to share their horrific experiences and warn others by posting proof of these scams. A user wrote: “This person also threatened my mother to deposit 2.5 lakhs on Google Pay number. My mother is scared about who will be responsible if any mis happening occurs. Strict action must be taken by the Police. Many persons getting such fraud calls from +92 numbers on.”

Another user sought a response to the matter as he didn’t receive an answer from the officials when he called them via the given phone number. He wrote: “I have reported to 1930, so far 2 months passed but no information from cyber police of Telangana or Armoor cyber police. Got an acknowledged number also. 3. On the day of 29-08-2024, I complained to 1930. All relevant proofs submitted to cyber.”


Since Scammers claim to be law enforcement officials and the targets are told they’re accused in a criminal case as they let know targets that are put under “digital arrest” and are forced to transfer money, PM Modi gave three steps to tackle this cybercrime. The person has to verify caller identities, don’t transfer money without confirmation and report suspicious calls to authorities. Those who need help can report any cybercrime by calling 1930 or heading to  cybercrime.gov.inthe  website.

Also, read| Bengaluru Airport: Woman Loses Rs 87,000 After Downloading Fake App For Lounge Access

Topics
Digital arrest scam digital arrests mann ki baat pm modi Scam In india Virtual Scams

Related