UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL ARREST

• Definition: ‘Digital arrest’ is a form of online fraud where cybercriminals pose as law enforcement officers, claiming the victim is involved in criminal activities and demanding money for a supposed ‘compromise’ to avoid arrest.
• Modus Operandi:
  • Initial Contact: Criminals call potential victims, claiming they have sent or are recipients of parcels containing illegal goods, drugs, or contraband.
  • Extending the Scam: In some cases, they contact relatives or friends, claiming the target is involved in a crime or accident and is in custody.
  • Demand for Money: They use fake identities or pictures of police personnel to demand money from the victim to close the case.
  • Digital Presence: Victims may be forced to stay on video calls (via Skype or other platforms) to ensure compliance until demands are met.

RECENT ACTIONS AGAINST DIGITAL ARRESTS

• Government Collaboration: The central government has worked with Microsoft to block over 1,000 Skype IDs linked to these scams.
• Intelligence Findings: Such scams are part of organized cross-border crime syndicates.
• Coordination Efforts:
  • I4C Involvement: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been instrumental in blocking Skype IDs and providing support to state and UT police forces.
  • SIM and Device Blocks: Efforts are underway to block SIM cards, mobile devices, and mule accounts used by cybercriminals.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND RESPONSE

• Stay Informed:
  • Be aware of the nature of digital arrest scams.
  • Follow updates from the Ministry of Home Affairs, I4C, and other official channels.
• Immediate Reporting:
  • If contacted by such fraudsters, immediately report the incident on the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (http://www.cybercrime.gov.in).
  • File a complaint with local police.
• Verify Authenticity:
  • Cross-check any demands for money or information by contacting the relevant authorities directly.
  • Be suspicious of unsolicited calls or messages from unknown numbers or those posing as officials.
• Raise Awareness:
  • Share information about these scams with friends and family to prevent them from becoming victims.
  • Utilize social media platforms to spread awareness about the risks and preventive measures.
• Security Measures:
  • Use robust security settings on communication platforms.
  • Avoid sharing personal information or financial details over the phone or online without verifying the request’s legitimacy.
• Educational Resources:
  • Follow I4C’s Cyberdost on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) for infographics, videos, and updates on cybercrime prevention.
  • Regularly update oneself on the latest cybercrime trends and protection strategies.