The digital dragnet: A threat to personal liberty

The digital age, while bringing unprecedented opportunities, has also given rise to a plethora of new threats.

- DEEVANSHU SHRIVASTAVA

One such threat, gaining alarming momentum in India, is the "digital arrest scam."

This scam, executed through sophisticated tactics, has ensnared numerous unsuspecting citizens, causing significant financial and emotional distress.

The modus operandi of the digital arrest scam is deceptively simple yet highly effective.

Scammers typically pose as law enforcement officials, often from prestigious agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

They contact their targets, often through phone calls or text messages, falsely accusing them of serious crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or cybercrimes.

The scammers leverage fear and intimidation to coerce their victims into believing the fabricated charges.

Once the victims are convinced of their alleged wrongdoing, the scammers proceed to extort money.

They demand large sums of money as bail, fines, or other legal fees to prevent their arrest or imprisonment.

The scammers may also threaten to seize the victims' assets or harm their family members if they do not comply with their demands.