The technique known as ‘digital arrest’ involves cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officials. Victims are often contacted via SMS or video calls
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has issued a public advisory cautioning citizens about a rising trend of cybercrime, dubbed the ‘digital arrest’ scam. In the advisory, I4C clarified that agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), police, customs, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and judges do not arrest individuals through video calls.
Labeling it a scam, the advisory emphasized the importance of staying calm and alert when confronted with such fraudulent activities. “Don’t panic, stay alert. CBI/Police/Custom/ED/Judges DO NOT arrest you on video call,” the advisory read. The statement, issued on Saturday, also highlighted that the scammers often use platforms like WhatsApp and Skype to carry out such frauds.
In response, several social media platforms, including those featured in the advisory, have said they are working with government cybersecurity agencies to enhance user protection.
The technique known as ‘digital arrest’ involves cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officials. Victims are often contacted via SMS or video calls, where fraudsters claim that they or their family members have been involved in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or money laundering.
The criminals then coerce the victims into keeping their mobile phone cameras on, creating a false impression of being under surveillance. They proceed to demand money, typically through online transfers, as ‘bail’ to resolve the fake charges.
The I4C has urged people to stay vigilant and report such incidents through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, or the website http://www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Cases of ‘digital arrest’ scams are increasingly being reported across various parts of the country, underlining the need for public awareness to avoid falling prey to these cybercriminals.
