Digital Arrest Scams : Warning
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a warning about an increase in ‘digital arrest’ scams, where cybercriminals impersonate government officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
- The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), in collaboration with Microsoft, is actively combating this organised online economic crime.
- Scammers pose as personnel from various government agencies, including the police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Department, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), or Enforcement Directorate.
- Victims receive calls alleging their involvement in illegal activities, such as sending or receiving contraband items like drugs or fake passports.
- Claims may also involve a loved one supposedly caught in criminal activities or accidents, with the fraudsters demanding money to resolve the ‘case’.
- Some victims are subjected to ‘digital arrest,’ where they are forced to stay on video calls with the scammers until their demands are met.
- Criminals are extorting money in exchange for agreeing not to expose the false legal cases that have been constructed.
