In recent months, a troubling new scam has been sweeping across India — the Digital Arrest Scam. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you might be at risk. This scam has led to several people losing substantial amounts of money, including one case where a person from Karnataka was duped out of ₹65,000. In this article, we’ll break down what Digital Arrest is, how it works, and how you can avoid becoming its next victim.
What is Digital Arrest?
Digital Arrest refers to a type of online scam where fraudsters make people feel trapped or “arrested” without physically detaining them. The scam plays on fear and intimidation, convincing victims that they have been involved in illegal activities or that their personal details are being misused. The scammers then demand money, claiming that they can free the victim from this supposed legal trouble.
This scam has become widespread in recent months, and even I’ve been targeted a few times. Luckily, I was aware of how these scams operate, but many people are not so fortunate and end up losing money. Let’s look at the common tactics these scammers use and how you can protect yourself.
Common Tactics Used in Digital Arrest Scams
There are several types of Digital Arrest scams, each with its own method of tricking people into giving up their money. Here are a few of the most common ones:
1. Fake Parcel Delivery Scam
In this scam, you’ll receive a call claiming that a parcel addressed to you couldn’t be delivered and has been returned. The caller will say that they are from customer care and will transfer you to someone claiming to be from a government department. The person on the other end will tell you that your name has come up in a drug trafficking case or illegal import at customs. They will threaten you with an FIR and demand a hefty fine to clear your name. The scammer may even know your Aadhaar card details and try to convince you that your information is now in their hands.
This scam preys on your fear. The scammers use high-pressure tactics, making it seem urgent that you pay the money right away. Once you fall for the fear, they will continue to extract money from you until you realize it’s a scam.
2. The Fake Fraud Case
Another variation involves the scammer calling and claiming that you are involved in a financial fraud. They may tell you that someone has used your name in a bank scam, and now the authorities are after you. They will claim that your bank accounts have been seized and that legal action is being taken against you. To avoid further issues, they will ask for money, claiming it will settle everything and prevent your arrest.
One of the most recent cases involved a man from Karnataka, who was told he was involved in a multi-crore fraud. The scammer demanded ₹65,000, and after several phone calls, the victim ended up transferring the money. It wasn’t until much later that the victim realized he had been scammed.
3. The TRAI Scam
This scam involves a call from someone pretending to be from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). The scammer will claim that your phone number is involved in illegal activities like sending spam messages or making fraudulent calls. They will warn you that your number will be blocked unless you pay a fine to clear your name. They’ll claim that if you don’t pay, your number will be suspended within hours.
To resolve the issue, the scammer will ask you to deposit a certain amount of money. This scam has been reported widely, and even TRAI has issued alerts about it.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
- Don’t Panic: The scammers will try to make you fearful and anxious. Take a deep breath and don’t act impulsively.
- Verify the Caller: If you receive a call claiming you’re in trouble with the law or that your bank account has been frozen, hang up and call the official number for the relevant department. Government officials will never ask you for money over the phone.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Details: Never share your Aadhaar number, bank account details, or passwords over the phone, especially if you didn’t initiate the call.
- Look for Red Flags: Scammers often use urgent and threatening language. They’ll push you to act quickly without thinking. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, trust your instincts.
- Report the Scam: If you’re targeted, immediately report it to the cyber crime cell or your local police. You can also file complaints on official websites like sarathi.gov.in if it involves telecom-related scams.
- Educate Others: Share this article with friends and family, especially those who may not be aware of such scams. The more people know about these tactics, the less likely they are to fall victim.
Conclusion: Stay Safe Online
Digital Arrest scams are on the rise, and as technology advances, so do the methods used by fraudsters. It’s important to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself and your hard-earned money. Always remember, no government official or company will ever ask you to make payments over the phone to resolve legal matters.
By staying alert, educating yourself, and spreading the word, you can help prevent yourself and others from falling prey to these scams.