What is a ‘digital arrest’ scam? Announced

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned against the emerging trend of cybercrime (scams involving digital detention) in India. The Prime Minister warned citizens against scammers posing as law enforcement or government officials and targeting individuals to extort money through phone and video calls. He urged people to be vigilant and said “digital arrests” were fake and advised citizens to follow the “stop, think and act” approach.

Prime Minister in episode 115 Mann Ki Baat He said that those involved in the crime on October 27 were enemies of society. “…There is no system called digital arrest in the law, this is just fraud, deception, lies, criminal gangs and those who do this are enemies of society…” he said.

What is a scam involving digital arrest?

In a scam involving digital interception, cybercriminals contact a target by posing as government officials of law enforcement agencies such as CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau or Customs officers. Using a combination of voice and video calls via platforms such as WhatsApp or Skype, they intimidate victims by accusing them of participating in illegal activities such as transporting drugs or trading contraband, allegedly detected through suspicious packages, money laundering investigations or misuse of information. Personal information such as Aadhaar details.

The target of scammers? To convince the victim that they are under “digital arrest” or online arrest and must comply with strict instructions. Oftentimes, victims are told to stay on video calls and not leave their homes, isolated from family and friends. Criminals create an elaborate ruse, using props such as uniforms, government agency backgrounds and deepfake videos to convince victims of their authority.

Fraudsters pose as high-ranking officials, tout fake investigations and fabricate fear-inducing accusations. Impersonators often make victims feel helpless by threatening consequences such as prison time. They use the sense of urgency to get victims to act impulsively. Victims are often asked to isolate themselves and, in some cases, show a 360-degree view of the room they are in while remaining under video surveillance until a so-called “investigation” is completed, leaving the victim feeling trapped.

Scammers may also use fake arrest warrants or court orders to increase their legitimacy, or even hold fake court hearings online to further validate their threats.

According to the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal, India has seen a massive increase in digital arrest scams in 2024. In the first quarter alone, Indians lost Rs 120.3 billion due to digital fraud, a significant portion of which was digital arrest fraud. In a recent incident, Vardhman Group chairman SP Oswal lost Rs 7 billion after he was “digitally arrested” by fraudsters who kept him under Skype surveillance for two days. They went so far as to impersonate Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and hold a fake trial to extort money.

Similarly, a technician from Hyderabad endured a 30-hour ordeal on October 27; Meanwhile, cybercriminals forced him to stay in a hostel on charges of money laundering linked to his Aadhaar. After the video call was cut off, he finally escaped and sought help from cybercrime authorities.

Digital arrest scams are particularly effective due to their psychological manipulation. By creating a scenario that appears urgent and serious, scammers exploit fear, authority, and isolation tactics to make victims believe they have no choice but to comply. “Stop, think and act, these three steps will be the guardians of your digital security,” the Prime Minister said.

“Stop as soon as you receive a call… do not panic, stay calm, do not take hasty steps, do not give your personal information to anyone; if possible, take a screenshot and save it. After this comes the second step. The first step is ‘stop’, the second step is ‘think’ No government agency will threaten you like this, demand money in a video call like this, then I know something is wrong. First step, second step and now the third step I said – ‘Stop’. In the second step I said – ‘Think’ and the third step tells you ‘Act’.”

He also talked about National Cyber ​​Helpline 1930 or reporting at cybercrime.gov.in or informing family and police and preserving evidence.

To combat digital detention scams, Modi said India’s investigation and cybercrime agencies are working with state governments to tackle the problem. Establishing the National Cyber ​​Coordination Center is part of a larger “whole of government” strategy to improve interagency collaboration.