Explained: What is digital arrest fraud and how to protect yourself

In his last ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech says Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the nation of the alarming rise of the ‘digital arrest’ scam. This scam involves fraudsters pose like law enforcement officers to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Modi revealed that Indians lost as much as Rs 120.3 crore to this scam in the first quarter of 2024 alone.
During his speech, Prime Minister Modi described the modus operandi of these fraudsters, who often pose as officials from the police, CBI, narcotics units or even the Reserve Bank of India. They create an atmosphere of fear by presenting themselves in agency uniforms and citing legal provisions, ultimately threatening to arrest the victims unless they pay a specific amount of money.
Here’s everything you need to know about this ongoing scam.

What is a digital arrest fraud?

A digital arrest scam is a form of cybercrime where scammers pose as law enforcement officers, often using sophisticated tactics to intimidate and deceive their victims. They usually contact the victims through phone calls, text messages or social media, falsely accusing them of involvement in criminal activities money launderingtax evasion or cybercrime.

How the scam works:

Intimidation: Scammers use threats of arrest or legal action to scare their victims.
Impersonation: They often pose as police officers or other law enforcement officers, using official-sounding titles and slang.
False accusations: Victims are falsely accused of various crimes, such as cybercrime or financial fraud.
Demand for payment: To avoid arrest or legal consequences, victims are pressured to pay a fine or bribe.
Data theft: Scammers may also try to steal personal information, such as bank account information or passwords.

How to protect yourself:

Verifying information: Never share personal information or financial data with anyone over the phone or online unless you are absolutely certain of their identity and the legitimacy of their request.
Be wary of unknown numbers: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially those with foreign area codes.
Verify information: If you receive a suspicious call or message, try to verify the information with a trusted source, such as a government website or a known law enforcement agency.
Stay calm: Scammers often rely on fear and intimidation to manipulate their victims. Stay calm and avoid making impulsive decisions.
Report the scam: If you believe you have been targeted by a digital capture scam, report it to local police or cybercrime authorities. You can also report this to your internet provider or mobile carrier.