Digital arrest - New online scam of the digital age

While the digital age has brought about incredible convenience, it has also given rise to a new class of cybercriminals who use technology to trick innocent people.

- DR.S.KRISHNAN & MOAZZAM DAKSH

One of the most dangerous and concerning scams that is surfacing in recent times is the "Digital Arrest".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cautioned against an emerging cybercrime trend in India - scams involving "Digital Arrest". The PM warned citizens of fraudsters posing as law enforcement or government officials, targeting individuals via phone and video calls to extort money. He urged people to stay vigilant and said that "Digital Arrests" are fake and advised citizens to follow the "Stop, Think, And Act" Approach. The Prime Minister during the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat on October 27, 2024, said that those involved in the crime are enemies of society.

HOW DOES THE DIGITAL ARREST SCAM WORK?

Usually, the scam starts with an unsolicited phone call or video call from someone posing as a representative of a government entity, including the police, the CBI, or other law enforcement organizations. These con artists use a range of strategies to instill fear in their targets:

False Accusations: The callers falsely claim that the victim has committed significant crimes such as financial fraud, drug trafficking, or money laundering.

Threat of Arrest: If the victim doesn't comply, the con artists use the threat of an instant arrest to instill a sense of urgency.

Isolation and intimidation: In order to keep things under control, victims are frequently told to spend a lot of time on the video call. This keeps them from asking for assistance or double-checking the information.

Financial Demands: Getting money out of the victim is the ultimate objective. Scammers frequently want early payments for bail, avoid negative publicity, and cover legal fees.

Psychological Manipulation: The fraudsters heighten the victim's emotional state and make them more vulnerable by using techniques like fake sobbing noises for the background or posing as family members.