Digital Arrest Fraud Alert: In recent times, a troubling trend has emerged across India – the rise of digital arrest frauds. These scams involve cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement authorities or courier service personnel to deceive unsuspecting individuals into believing they are involved in illegal activities. Disha Roy (name changed), a resident of Delhi, narrowly avoided falling victim to such a scam, highlighting the need for increased awareness and caution among the public.
The Deceptive Call – How It Begins
Disha was at her workplace in Delhi when she received a call from an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number, purportedly from Lucknow customs. The caller alleged that a parcel had been sent in her name to an address in Myanmar containing illegal substances, including MDMA Narcotics Drugs and passports. Despite being based in Delhi and having no connection to Lucknow, Disha was momentarily thrown off guard by the convincing arguments put forth by the caller.
The Manipulative Tactics Unveiled
The caller proceeded to inquire whether Disha had recently shared her Aadhar Card details, hinting at a potential fraud. Feeling confused and anxious, Disha disclosed that she had indeed shared her details with a travel agent during a recent trip. Exploiting her vulnerability, the caller escalated the situation, warning Disha of dire consequences if she didn’t act swiftly. He offered to transfer the call to the Lucknow cybercrime department for her to lodge a complaint.
Recognising the Red Flags
As Disha was being coerced into taking further action, she realized something was amiss. The supposed law enforcement officer urged her to download Skype and initiate a virtual FIR filing process. However, Disha’s instincts kicked in, prompting her to disconnect the call and seek advice from her family. Despite facing pressure and anger from the scammers, she managed to evade becoming another victim of this elaborate scheme.
The Widespread Impact
Unfortunately, not everyone has been as fortunate as Disha. Reports have surfaced of individuals across the country falling prey to similar scams, resulting in substantial financial losses and emotional distress. In one instance, a journalist in Bengaluru allegedly lost Rs 1.20 crore to fraudsters posing as FedEx courier staff and officials from the Narcotics Control Bureau. Another victim from Delhi had Rs 3.7 lakhs siphoned from her account after being digitally detained for several hours under false pretenses.
Tips to Prevent Falling Victim
In light of these alarming incidents, law enforcement agencies urge the public to exercise caution and increase awareness regarding such fraudulent activities. It’s essential to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from authorities. Never disclose sensitive personal information or download unfamiliar applications without verifying the authenticity of the request. If in doubt, seek advice from trusted sources or report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
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