Digital Arrest Scams: Cyber fraudsters impersonate law enforcement agencies and use fear of arrest to extort money from victims, highlighting the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards, rapid response mechanisms, and public verification systems.
NEWS: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)àExpressed concern over Digital Arrest Scams
ABOUT
- NHRC noted thatà Indians lost about ₹52,976 crore to cyber-enabled frauds over the last six years, with nearly 8% linked to digital arrest scams.
- Cyber-enabled fraudsàtraditional offline crimes whose scale, reach, and speed are amplified using information and communication technology (ICT).
Digital Arrest Scam
- A scam designed to extort money from victims using fear, deceit, and intimidation.
- Victims receive a phone call, email, or message claiming they are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity theft or money laundering.
- Scammers use arrest threats to create panic and prevent victims from thinking rationally.
Suggestions to Curb Digital Arrest Scams
- Legal & Regulatory Reformsà Recognise digital arrest scams as a distinct offence, criminalise mule accounts and related enablers, and regulate OTT communication platforms to curb cyber fraud.
- Create a dedicated victim compensation fund, and enable rapid freezing of fraudulent transactions during the “golden hour.”
- Establish a unified government platform for verifying the authenticity of law enforcement credentials, notices, and communications.