What does the term "Digital Arrest" mean? Well, "Digital arrest" typically refers to the phenomenon where a person is prevented from accessing their digital devices or online accounts, often due to security measures, hacking incidents, or unauthorised access. It can also relate to situations where digital assets or accounts are frozen or suspended, perhaps due to legal issues or policy violations. In a broader sense, it highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and the potential risks associated with our reliance on digital technology.
But, here we are not referring to this legal action of arresting someone by the sanctioned legal authorities, instead this term is now being used by fraudsters and scammers to fool people into believing so!
The "digital arrest scam" usually involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement or government officials who claim that the victim is involved in illegal activities online. They might threaten the victim with arrest unless they pay a fine or fee immediately, often demanding payment through unconventional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency. They may do this via emails, WhatsApp calls or phone calls. There have been several cases now reported of people losing crores of rupees to these scammers. Most recent case was that of a techie from Hyderabad who spent 30hrs on a fraud call by these fraudsters. According to news reports, more than 6,000 complaints of digital arrests have been registered this year!
Here are some key points about the scam:
1. Threats of Legal Action: Scammers create a sense of urgency by claiming that the victim has committed a crime or is involved with some illegal activities, such as money laundering, copyright infringement, or tax evasion.
2. Impersonation: They often spoof official-looking emails, phone numbers, or websites to make their communications appear legitimate.
3. Payment Pressure: Victims are pressured to make quick payments to avoid arrest, often with threats of further legal action or embarrassment.
4. Common Targets: These scams can target anyone, but older adults or less tech-savvy individuals might be more vulnerable.
5. Prevention: It’s important to verify any claims made by contacting official sources directly and to be cautious about sharing personal information or making payments.
If you or someone you know encounters this type of scam, it’s best to report it to local authorities and avoid engaging with the scammers. Or call 1930.
This scam has become so worrisome and menacing that recently our honourable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, flagged the issue of fraudsters targeting people with the cyber crime of "digital arrests" and urged people to adopt the mantra of "Stop, Think and Take Action" when faced with such a scam, asserting that these steps will provide digital security to them.
"'Stop, Think And Take Action': PM Shares Must-Dos Against Digital Arrests Scam"
According to a news report in Times Now -
"The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to investigate digital arrest scam cases and cyber fraud. The committee has been instructed to take immediate action against the perpetrators. The committee was announced days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged the issue of fraudsters targeting people with the cyber crime of "digital arrests" and urged people to adopt the mantra of "stop, think and take action" when faced with such a scam, asserting that these steps will provide digital security to them."
Be Alert Citizens....! Take Action to avoid becoming a Digital Arrest Victim, for the next one could be YOU!
