The digital space in India is growing rapidly. From shopping and banking to travel and UPI, we are becoming increasingly dependent on the internet. However, with this dependence, there are also threats such as scams in the digital space. In the last few months, there has been a surge in online scams, with cyber criminals constantly inventing new ways to leverage technology for financial gain. One such scam that is spreading rapidly is the “digital arrest scam.”

In one of the recent cases of digital arrest scam, a 40-year-old doctor in Noida lost Rs 59.54 lakh to cyber criminals. The criminals called the victim posing as telecom officials and said that her name was involved in a money laundering case. Later, the call was transferred to a purported police officer from Mumbai’s Tilak Nagar police station. The “officer” told the victim that an FIR had been filed against her for sharing pornographic videos and an arrest warrant had been issued. The criminals also claimed that her name was linked to a money laundering case involving Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal and that the National Security Act had been invoked against her. Following these threats, the victim was put on digital arrest while the scammers sought her details and withdrew money from her bank account between July 15-16.

In another case, a Hyderabad resident lost Rs 1.2 crore in 20 days when he received a similar call from a fake officer who told him that his name was linked to drug smuggling. The fake police officer instructed the victim to share his personal information without any fault and asked him to stay online 24/7. Assuming it was a serious matter, the victim followed the instructions but eventually lost his money.

Let us first understand the digital arrest scam

So, what exactly happens in a Digital Arrest scam? Also known as a “parcel scam,” in such scam cases, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials or regulatory authorities and contact individuals via phone or video calls. They claim that the victim is under investigation for serious crimes, often alleging that a suspicious parcel containing illegal items is linked to the victim.

To make their claims seem authentic, scammers may provide fake identification, badges or reference numbers, and even use fake phone numbers that appear to be from official sources. They claim that the victim can avoid arrest or other legal consequences by paying a fine or depositing a deposit. The victim may often be instructed to transfer money to a specific account under the guise of “investigation fees” or “bail.”

If the victim hesitates, the scammers sometimes escalate the threat, warning of serious consequences such as immediate arrest or public exposure. While some people are aware of these practices and pay no heed, many have lost their money due to fear of arrest.

How to protect yourself from such scams

So, how can you stay safe from this scam? Vigilance is the key.

If you receive such a call, always verify the caller’s identity independently before sharing any information. Use official contact information from government websites or other trusted sources to confirm the legitimacy of the call.

Do not share personal or financial information over the phone unless you are sure of the caller’s identity. Official authorities will not ask for sensitive information over the phone.

Remember that scammers often create a sense of haste to induce quick decisions. Be wary of any requests for immediate payment or threats of legal action.

If you receive a suspicious call, immediately report it to the police and your bank. This helps authorities track and stop fraudsters.