How To Avoid Digital Arrest Scams ? Government Issues Advisory as Frauds Rise Across India

In response to the rising number of "digital arrest" crimes in India, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre issued a public advisory on Saturday. The advisory stated that law enforcement agencies like the CBI, police, customs, ED, or judges do not use video calls to make arrests and warned the public against falling for these schemes.

Government Issues Advisory For Digital Arrest 

The advisory also stated that scams of this kind frequently involve communication through social media platforms like Skype and WhatsApp.

"Don't panic; keep an eye out. "CBI, police, customs, ED, and judges will not arrest you over a video call," the advisory issued on Saturday stated.

What is Digital Arrest and how Does It Happen?

For the uninitiated, a method of cybercrime known as "digital arrest" entails sending SMS messages or making video calls to individuals while posing as representatives of government investigative agencies.

In such instances, con artists erroneously claim that the individual or members of their immediate family were arrested over video calls because they were found to be involved in illegal activities like drug trafficking or money laundering.

WhatsApp and Skype Collaborated With the Government

WhatsApp and Skype have previously stated that, to improve user safety, they are collaborating with government cyber security agencies.

Additionally, the advisory urged individuals to call the helpline number 1930 or go to the cybercrime website to report such offenses.

In a case known as a "digital arrest," a senior official at the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) was defrauded of 55 lakh rupees last month. In this case, three people have been detained.

What Criminals Demand from People

As part of a "digital arrest," the cybercriminal orders the victim to keep their mobile phone cameras on and force them to remain inside the premises. They then use online transfers to demand money to secure the victim's release.

On September 9, a 35-year-old woman was approached by a person posing as an official from Mumbai International Airport's Terminal 2. The con artist claimed that Mumbai police had issued an arrest warrant for her.