How Digital Arrest Fraud Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

23 January, 2025

Synopsis

• The digital arrest fraud is an online fraud where cybercriminals pose as authorities to extort money through fear.
• Victims are manipulated into making payments under false notions of legal action.
• Staying calm and informed is important to avoid such fraud.

Digital arrest is a completely fabricated concept that has no basis in Indian law or the Indian Penal Code. It’s a fraud designed by cybercriminals to extort money by playing on people’s fears and emotions. These fraudsters act as law enforcement officials such as police or CBI. They trap victims by isolating them under the pretense of "self-custody." This phone fraud is so highly sophisticated that it’s easy to fall victim. However, knowing how this fraud works can help you prevent it.

How Digital Arrest Fraud Works?

Here are the steps of a digital arrest fraud:

• Initial Contact: Fraudsters reach out via phone, email, text or social media. They use fake government logos or official-sounding numbers to seem authentic.

• Fear Tactics: Victims are told they’re under investigation or have an arrest warrant against them. The fraudsters use threats to create panic and fear.

• Video Calls: Fraudsters may ask for a video call. On the video call, they set up a fake police station background to appear legitimate.

• Isolation: Victims are told to keep their camera and microphone on while avoiding contact with anyone else. They are pressured into making payments to resolve the issue.

• Payment: Victims are instructed to transfer money. The money is falsely described as a refundable security deposit or part of an investigation.

• Disappearance: Once the money is received, the fraudsters disappear without a trace.
  
  

Digital Arrest Fraud: Tactics & Warning Signs

Here are some common tactics and red flags of the digital arrest fraud technique:

• Account Freezing and Lockouts: Fraudsters can use phishing or credential stuffing to access victims' accounts. This results in lockouts or unauthorised actions.

• Identity Takeover: Fraudsters swap victims' SIM cards to intercept OTPs or secure communications. They then access accounts and make transactions in the victims' names.

• Ransomware: Fraudsters encrypt or lock victims' files and demand payment to unlock them.

• False Authority Claims: Fraudsters pose as legal authorities or financial institutions. They use fake emails or calls to threaten fines or legal action.
  
  

How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Fraud?

Here are a few tips to protect yourself from online arrest warrant fraud:
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• Stay Aware: Share information about this fraud with friends and family to increase awareness.

• Never Share Sensitive Details: Do not disclose OTPs, passwords, or account information to anyone.

• Pause and Think: If you receive a threatening call, hang up and take a moment to handle the situation logically.

• Verify: Contact legitimate authorities directly to confirm any claims.

• Stay Composed and Collected: Fraudsters rely on panic to manipulate victims. Hence, staying composed is your best defense.

• Document the Incident: Keep records of suspicious calls or messages as evidence.

• Report the Fraud: If you suspect any online arrest warrant fraud, you should not hesitate to complain just because of embarrassment. Call the National Cyber Crime helpline in 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Beware of Digital Arrest Fraud and Protect Your Money

While the rise of such fraud is alarming, staying alert can help you avoid falling victim. Remember, there’s no such thing as a "digital arrest" under Indian law. Real authorities will never demand money over the phone to avoid arrest. Fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials can trick anyone. Hence, knowledge and awareness are your best weapons. Don't let your emotions guide you; always stay alert.

In case you are a victim of fraud, file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime helpline number 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.

Join Vigil Army, where Vigil Aunty will decode various frauds and give people a heads-up on the dos and don’ts of combating frauds online. To join the Vigil Army, send ‘Hi’ to her via WhatsApp number: 7290030000.

 *Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances.