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What is a Digital Arrest Scam and How to Stay Safe?

The Digital Arrest scam tricks people into paying money by pretending they’re in legal trouble. Learn what the Digital Arrest scam is, about recent cases, and how to avoid it here.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit4 Nov, 2024
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What is Digital Arrest Scam

Digital Arrest Scam: In today’s digital age, India’s internal security faces new challenges as scammers exploit technology for online fraud. In the first quarter of this year alone, the country lost around ₹120.3 crore t o online scams such as phishing and digital arrests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the rising concern of the Digital Arrest scam in his 115th edition o f Mann Ki Baat , urging citizens to be aware of these types of fraud. Further, a high-level committee has been formed to investigate digital arrest scams. T his issue is relevant for the UPSC Mains GS 3 paper and a critical topic for public awareness.

What is Digital Arrest?

A digital arrest is a situation where someone is stopped or restricted in their activities digitally, such as being forced to remain visible on video calls or stay on audio calls until certain demands are met. While there is no legal basis for digital arrest in India or the world, this tactic is often used by fraudsters who impersonate law enforcement, creating a false sense of fear to manipulate them into financial scams. The meaning of digital arrest scam, in simple terms, is using technology to control or pressure someone for exploitation. For instance, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a 65-year-old woman was subjected to a fake interrogation for five days and was tricked out of ₹46 lakh. This highlights the serious consequences of such scams and the importance of being aware of digital threats.

About Digital Arrest Scam

The digital arrest scam is a type of cyber fraud where scammers pretend to be law enforcement officials or government representatives. It often begins with a phone call, email, or message that looks like it’s from a legitimate authority, even including official-sounding terms. During these calls, they pressure victims into making payments to avoid arrest. In some cases they make video calls to victims, forcing them to stay on Skype or video chat till payment is made, claiming the person has done something illegal like being linked to a suspicious package. Scammers threaten victims with "digital arrest warrants" or even use fake police set up to make them feel more legitimate.
Do You Know? Types of Digital Fraud Digital frauds take various forms, each designed to deceive individuals and organizations. Here are some common types:
  1. Phishing : Scammers impersonate trusted entities to steal personal information.
  2. Vishing: Voice phishing involves scammers using phone calls to trick individuals into providing sensitive details.
  3. Identity Theft : Fraudsters use someone else’s identity for illicit purposes.
  4. Smishing: This is SMS phishing, where fraudsters send text messages that contain malicious links
  5. Ransomware Attacks : Malware locks users out of their data until a ransom is paid.
  6. Investment Scams : Promises of high returns lure victims into fake investment schemes.

How Digital Arrest Scam Works?

This scam usually follows a similar pattern each time. It starts with scammers collecting the personal data of victims through social media or online platforms, followed by:
  1. Fake Call or Message: The victim receives a call or message from someone pretending to be from a courier company or law enforcement, like the CBI. They may say, "A suspicious package with your name on it was found."
  2. Scare Tactics: The caller often manipulates the victim by using fear, claiming they are involved in illegal activities or have compromised their identity. They even use ‘deepfake ’ to convince victims.
  3. Threat of Digital Arrest: Scammers tell the victim there is a “digital arrest warrant” and that an officer will arrive shortly if they don’t cooperate.
  4. Demand for Payment: To resolve the issue, scammers demand immediate payment, claiming it’s a fine or bond. They may ask for personal information or financial details to confirm identity, which they misuse.
  5. Immediate Compliance : By creating fear psychosis and urgency, the scammer minimizes the time the victim has to question the authenticity of the demand, ensuring faster compliance.
Digital arrest scam exploits trust in authority and the growing dependence on digital platforms, making it challenging to identify immediately.

Digital Arrest Cases

Over 6,000 digital arrest complaints have been filed, leading to the blocking of 600,000 mobile numbers by the I4C. Scammers often claim that a suspicious parcel linked to the victim's ID has been found with banned items, like drugs. They may mention an ongoing investigation by authorities such as the CBI or the CID, increasing fear. Some of the recent cases of digital arrest are:
  • A 72-year-old woman in Delhi lost ₹83 lakhs after a 13-hour video call with people pretending to be CBI officials.
  • A well-known doctor in Noida lost ₹60 lakhs to scammers posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officials.
  • In Indore , a scientist and his wife were kept under digital arrest for 6 days and forced to pay 71 lakh.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for public awareness campaigns to educate individuals on recognizing and avoiding such scams.

Impact of Digital Arrest Scam

The impact of the digital arrest scam goes beyond financial loss. Here are some ways it affects individuals and society:
  • Financial Harm: Victims lose significant amounts by transferring money directly to scammers.
  • Emotional Distress: Being falsely accused and threatened with arrest can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety.
  • Erosion of Trust in Authorities : These scams affect public confidence in law enforcement and government agencies.
  • Increased Vulnerability to Digital Fraud: After falling for such scams, people may feel hesitant about genuine government outreach in the future.
To avoid types of digital fraud like these people must be aware of common tactics used by scammers and government initiatives to combat these.

Tips to Avoid Digital Arrest Scam

To stay safe from online frauds like digital arrest, having strong awareness and proactive measures is essential. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to digital arrest scams:
  • Verify Information: Contact the official organization directly through verified contact details if you receive any messages about legal action or call the cyber helpline at ‘ 1930’.
  • Stay Calm and Alert: Scammers rely on fear tactics. Staying calm allows you to analyze the situation rationally.
  • Do Not Share Personal Information: Never disclose your bank details, OTPs, or any personal ID details over the phone or online unless you’re sure of the source.
  • Ask Questions : Before clicking on any suspicious link or responding to a message, ask yourself whether it seems legitimate. Install antivirus and anti-malware solutions on your device to avoid scam messages.
  • Watch Out for Red Flags: Official authorities do not threaten immediate arrest over phone calls, and payments for legal matters are not asked for over calls or messages.
  • Report Suspicious Calls: If you suspect an attempt, report it to the nearest cybercrime center or ‘cybercrime.gov.in’ to help authorities tackle this issue.
You must also talk to family members, especially older relatives, about these scams. They’re often the most vulnerable and need to know how to stay safe.

Government Efforts to Combat Digital Arrest

The Indian government, recognizing the danger of digital scams, has been actively working to combat this cyber fraud. Some of the measures include:
  • Awareness Campaigns: The Ministry of Home Affairs has started awareness programs and campaigns to educate the public. Also, Delhi Police have created audio campaigns warning people about these scams.
  • National Cyber Coordination Centre: The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) collaborates with state governments to thoroughly investigate cybercrime cases.
  • CERT-IN Actions: India’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) has blocked thousands of fraudulent accounts, video-calling IDs, and SIM cards used by scammers.
  • Alerts and Information Sharing : I4C regularly issues alerts about scams through social media, including a dedicated platform called "cyberdost. "
  • Reporting Mechanism: Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious calls or scams via the cybercrime helpline or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to receive assistance.
The digital arrest scam is a manipulative way that scammers are using to steal money from innocent people. For UPSC aspirants, being aware of such scams is essential as this knowledge not only prepares you for exams but also empowers you to help others. Want to learn more about such current events and improve your skills for the UPSC? Check out the UPSC courses at Physics Wallah to achieve your dreams with the right guidance.
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Digital Arrest Scam FAQs

What is Digital Arrest?

Digital arrest refers to scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to coerce victims into paying money, often by threatening arrest.

What is digital arrest meaning in simple words?

In simple terms, digital arrest means keeping people in online custody through fake police or officials who threaten them with arrest to scare them into sending money.

What are the types of digital fraud?

Some common types of digital fraud include digital arrest scams, phishing, identity theft, and fake online transactions.

What is digital house arrest?

Digital house arrest refers to a situation where an individual is restricted to their home using digital monitoring tools like Skype calls. It has become a common form of online fraud in the country.

Where can I report a digital scam in India?

You can report scams to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or online at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
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