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SAMARTH – Daily Answer Writing Mentorship Programme
23th September 2025 (13 Topics)

“Digital Arrest Scams”

Context:

A former banker in South Delhi lost ?23 crore to a cybercrime called ‘digital arrest’, highlighting increasing online frauds targeting citizens.

Nature of Digital Arrest Scam:

  • Scammers impersonate police or telecom officials, claiming the victim’s mobile number is used for fraudulent or illegal activity.
  • Threats include fake investigations, intimidation, and digital confinement via calls or video conferencing apps (Skype, WhatsApp).

Mechanism of Fraud:

  • Callers often convince victims to transfer money or reveal sensitive data.
  • Targets are often elderly or unsuspecting individuals.
  • Payments are siphoned through multiple transactions across banks.

Preventive Measures & Technology:

  • ‘Sanchar Saathi’ app by the Department of Telecom allows verification of mobile numbers and Aadhaar to check misuse.
  • Reporting suspicious numbers can block the IMEI or prevent fraud.
  • National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and 1930 helpline help victims report cyber fraud promptly.

Regulatory & Legal Guidance:

  • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) issued advisories on digital arrest scams.
  • No legal provision exists for actual digital arrests, highlighting the importance of awareness and verification.
  • Victims are advised to contact local police and avoid transferring money without verification.

Verifying, please be patient.

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