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‘Digital Arrest’
Context:
A fraudster impersonated Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, creating a fake virtual courtroom and documents that closely resembled authentic ones. This elaborate scheme led to the deception of SP Oswal, head of Vardhman Group, resulting in a loss of ₹ 7 crore.
What is Digital Arrest?
A form of cybercrime where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials and trick victims into believing they are involved in illegal activities, coercing them into staying connected via video calls.
Modus Operandi
- Initial Contact: Fraudsters contact victims, claiming they are implicated in crimes such as money laundering or drug trafficking.
- False Accusations: Victims are accused of crimes, with threats of imminent arrest if they don’t comply.
- Digital House Arrest: Victims are forced to remain on video calls, being told they are under “digital arrest.”
- Isolation: Victims are isolated by being instructed not to contact others, increasing their vulnerability.
- Financial Demands: Fraudsters demand money to “settle” the case or avoid arrest.
Common Pretexts Used by Scammers
- Parcel Scam: Claiming a parcel containing illegal items implicates the victim.
- Family Involvement: Accusations that a family member is involved in a crime.
- Aadhaar or Phone Number Misuse: Victims are told their Aadhaar or phone number is linked to illegal activities.
How to Protect Yourself
- Beware of Unsolicited Calls: Avoid answering unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from law enforcement.
- Verify Identity: Confirm the caller’s identity through official channels.
- Don’t Share Personal Information: Never share sensitive data like bank details or passwords over the phone.
- Stay Calm: Scammers rely on panic; remain composed and end the call if pressured.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and share this information with others.
- Report the Scam: Immediately report any suspicious activity to the police or cybercrime authorities.
- Government Action: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are working to prevent scams and block fraudulent calls.
