STAY ALERT AGAINST DIGITAL ARREST FRAUD

Digital arrest is a scam designed to extort money from victims using fear, deceit, and intimidation. Cyber criminals impersonate Police Officers, CBI, ED, Customs, TRAI, or other government authorities and threaten innocent citizens with arrest, criminal prosecution, or account freezing to coerce victims into paying a “fine” or “security deposit” to avoid legal action.

Recent case study: A Senior citizen Woman aged 72 years, resident of Nampally, Hyderabad receives a video call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller alleges that a parcel containing illegal drugs has been booked in the victim’s name and that a bank account linked to the victim is involved in money laundering. The caller displays a fake arrest warrant and threatens to arrest her. On the pretext of security deposits, the victim was forced to transfer multiple amounts to different mule accounts with a total financial loss of Rs. 2.20 Crores.

Modus Operandi:

1. Initial contact with the victim
Fraudsters contact victims through phone calls, WhatsApp, SMS, or video calls. They may claim that a mobile number, bank account, Aadhaar, parcel, or identity document has been linked to a criminal activity.

2. Impersonation of law-enforcement officials
The caller poses as an officer of the police, CBI, ED, NCB, customs, or another government agency. Fraudsters may use fake identity cards, forged notices, official-looking letterheads, logos, and fabricated case documents. They setup fake police station with uniforms for video call backgrounds.

3. Fabrication of criminal allegations
The victim is falsely accused of involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, terror financing, illegal transactions, identity theft, or a money-laundering investigation. In some cases, the fraudster claims that a parcel containing illegal substances has been intercepted in the victim’s name.

4. Psychological intimidation and digital confinement
The victim is instructed to remain on a continuous video call, stay alone in a room, keep the camera switched on, and avoid contacting family members, lawyers, or other persons. The fraudsters threaten immediate arrest, handcuffing, or harm to the victim’s reputation if instructions are disobeyed.

5. Fake verification and financial scrutiny
Fraudsters demand bank statements, account balances, identity documents, and details of investments. They may send fabricated arrest warrants, court orders, or account-freezing notices to make the allegations appear genuine.

6. Coercion to transfer money
The victim is instructed to transfer money to designated bank accounts under the pretext of security deposits, verification of legitimate funds, bail, or temporary transfer of funds for investigation. If the funds are short, they coerce to break the Fixed Deposits/Security bonds/apply bank loans, etc., Fraudsters may promise to return the money after verification.

7. Disappearance and further extortion
After receiving the money, the fraudsters may demand additional payments by inventing new charges or allegations. Eventually, they disconnect communications, block the victim, and become unreachable.

HOW TO IDENTIFY A DIGITAL ARREST SCAM

Warning sign What the victim should understand
Threats of immediate arrest over a video call A major red flag for impersonation and extortion Instructions to remain on video call continuously A tactic to isolate and control the victim Demand to transfer money for verification or clearance A strong indication of financial fraud Orders not to tell family members or consult a lawyer An attempt to prevent independent verification.

Fake arrest warrants sent through WhatsApp Documents must be independently verified
Requests for OTPs, PINs, passwords, or banking credentials Never disclose these details

PUBLIC ADVISORY

The Cyber Crime PS Hyderabad City in coordination with the Local Police Stations, has conducted several awareness programs and door-to-door campaigns to educate citizens on Digital Arrest scams and their modus operandi, which contributed in reduction in the number of reported digital arrest cases. However, a few such cases continue to be reported. The general public is strongly advised to remain vigilant and not fall prey to Cyber Criminals. The following advisories are issued for public awareness and safety:

1. Awareness among family members:
Citizens should educate their family members, particularly senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals, about digital arrest scams and their modus operandi. They should explain that fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI, ED, or other law-enforcement and government officials to intimidate victims with false allegations and extort money. Family members should be advised to immediately inform a trusted family member whenever they receive such threatening calls or video calls and never transfer money or share financial or personal information under pressure.

2. Do not panic or transfer the money
• Do not panic if you receive threatening video calls or messages claiming to be from CBI, RBI, ED, Customs, Judiciary, Cyber Crime Police, Narcotics Bureau, FedEx, BSNL, TRAI, or similar agencies.
• No government agency or law enforcement authority will demand money over phone or video calls.
• There is no concept of “digital arrest” or online enquiry in the system.

3. Disconnect and independently verify.
End the suspicious call and contact the concerned agency through its officially published contact details.

4. No need to isolate yourself
Do not allow the caller to isolate you or prevent you from seeking independent assistance. Always take support of your family members or trusted person.

5. Preserve evidence.
Save phone numbers, call logs, WhatsApp chats, video-call details, bank account information, transaction IDs, and screenshots to be taken immediately.

6. Immediate Reporting Can Save Your Money
• If you fall victim to any such cyber fraud, immediate reporting can help in freezing and recovering part or all of your lost amount.
• Helpline: 1930.
• Online Reporting: www.cybercrime.gov.in

Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Be Cyber Smart.