By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
There is no legal concept known as a digital arrest.
However, despite its nonexistence in the legal framework, this fabricated threat has become a formidable menace, preying on unsuspecting individuals.
India has witnessed a dramatic rise in cyber scams that have swindled unsuspecting victims out of an estimated Rs 2,140 crore within just 10 months of 2024.
These scams, aptly termed ‘Digital Arrests,’ have struck fear into the hearts of thousands, exploiting trust and the public’s limited understanding of law enforcement protocols.
The Extent of the Crisis: A National Menace
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has noted that over 92,000 incidents of digital arrest scams have occurred in India since January 2024. The Ministry’s Cybercrime Coordination Centre (i4C) has blocked over six lakh mobile numbers tied to these scams and frozen 3.25 lakh fake bank accounts.
Yet, the problem persists, with many operations traced back to call centers in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Some of these centers are in Chinese-owned casinos where cyber slavery is also an emerging concern.
The Phantom ‘Digital Arrest’ — An Unlawful Fabrication
Despite its name, there is no legal concept of a digital arrest. Yet, this fabricated tool has emerged as a formidable weapon in the hands of cybercriminals. These criminals often pose as high-ranking officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the police, or even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They initiate contact through calls, posing convincingly with detailed scripts and using fake police stations and even fabricated courtrooms as props to deceive their victims.
The Modus Operandi: A High-Stakes Deception
Cybercriminals begin with a simple phone call or email, followed by coordinated video calls from various locations to create an illusion of urgency and legitimacy. Victims may receive calls from an ‘airport,’ a ‘police station,’ or even a ‘court.’ These fraudsters use the display pictures (DPs) of real police officers and judges sourced from social media profiles, making their claims appear credible.
They escalate the situation by accusing victims of severe offenses such as drug trafficking or money laundering, often supported by fake arrest warrants or legal notices sent via email or messaging apps. Typical accusations might include statements like, “A consignment with drugs addressed to you has been intercepted,” or “A phone number linked to your Aadhaar has been used for criminal activity.”
Why Are These Scams So Effective?
The success of these scams hinges on human psychology and societal norms. Most people are unfamiliar with standard law enforcement procedures, which makes them vulnerable to manipulation. The fear of arrest or reputational damage triggers a panic response, causing victims to comply without verifying the caller’s legitimacy.
Social stigma also plays a significant role. The idea of a police case can be humiliating, with potential repercussions for the victim’s family and children. The scammers exploit this fear, creating an atmosphere where victims prioritize immediate resolution over due diligence. By establishing a false sense of urgency, the fraudsters prevent victims from seeking advice or thinking rationally.
The Way Forward: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones
The MHA, alongside CERT-IN, has issued advisories encouraging victims to report such scams through the emergency helpline, 1930. Immediate reporting increases the likelihood of fund recovery and disrupts further fraudulent activity.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Threat?
Stay Calm: Panic leads to poor decisions. Take a moment to assess the situation.
Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never disclose Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details over unsolicited calls.
Do Not Transfer Money: Legitimate authorities will never ask for money over the phone.
Verify Claims: Independently check the caller’s identity through official channels.
Seek Help: Report the incident to local police and cybercrime authorities promptly.
Prevention Tips
Educate Yourself: Learn about common scams and share this knowledge with family and friends.
Be Skeptical of Caller IDs: Caller ID can be spoofed. Always verify through trusted sources.
Secure Your Accounts: Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for online banking.
Disconnect If Pressured: If the caller insists on immediate action, hang up and verify independently.
As cybercriminals adapt their tactics, public awareness and vigilance become our strongest defense. The steps we take today to safeguard our digital identity could prevent us from becoming the next target in this ever-evolving cyber battle.
