Consulate General of India Hong Kong & Macau SARs
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Understanding the Fraud regarding Digital Arrest:
Digital arrest scams involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials and threatening victims with false arrest warrants or legal actions unless they make immediate payments or share sensitive personal information. These scams are typically executed through phone calls, emails, or text messages, creating fear and urgency to manipulate victims.
In recent years, India has witnessed a surge in the “digital arrest” scam. The cyber fraudsters target victims with phone calls, alleging involvement in suspicious activities – often centered around parcels containing illegal items. The scammers use scare tactics, claiming the victim is under “digital arrest”.
The scammers don't stop at mere accusations. They employ intimidation tactics, threatening legal repercussions and even “digital arrest.” This fabricated concept creates panic, isolating victims and making them more susceptible to manipulation. In some cases, scammers keep victims on video calls for extended periods, further amplifying the sense of confinement and urgency.
Modus Operandi:
The following is the outline of the steps and method used by fraudsters to execute the scam.
Victims receive a call, email, or text from someone posing as a law enforcement official or government agency representative, such as the CBI, RBI, or local police.
The caller accuses the victim of involvement in crimes, such as sending or receiving contraband items (like drugs or fake passports) or having their identity stolen for illegal purposes.
Scammers may escalate the situation by claiming that a loved one is in trouble due to criminal activities or accidents, further heightening the victim's fear and concern.
The fraudsters demand immediate payment to resolve the alleged case, pressuring victims to transfer money using untraceable methods.
Some victims are subjected to 'digital arrest,' where they are forced to remain on video calls with scammers until their demands are met, creating a sense of captivity and urgency.
Scammers may instruct victims to download remote access applications, allowing them to control the victim's computer and access sensitive information.
The scammers may keep victims on the phone or video call for hours, preventing them from reaching out for help or verifying the claims, effectively isolating them.
Recognizing these tactics can help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.
Key Safety Measures:
It is essential to stay informed and proactive to protect yourself from such scams in digital world. Mentioned below are a few key safety measures that can help you safeguard against digital scams.
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Stay calm: Remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never contact you regarding a case over the phone or request immediate payment. Take a moment to breathe and assess the situation.
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Do not engage with the scammer: Feel empowered to end any suspicious call immediately. If you receive a text or email that seems dubious, delete it without responding. Avoid clicking on any links or replying to messages.
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Verify the caller’s identity: If you have concerns about a potential legal matter, contact the relevant agency directly using their official phone number, which can be found on their official websites. Do not use any number provided by the caller.
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Report the incident: Inform local authorities about the scam attempt. You can report it to your local police station or file a complaint online through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/)
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Be cautious with Personal Information: Never share sensitive information, such as bank account details or passwords, over the phone or via email. Protect your personal data vigilantly.
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Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about common scams and share this knowledge with friends and family to help them recognize and avoid similar threats.
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Use Security Software: Install and maintain reputable antivirus and anti- malware software on your devices to protect against malicious attacks.
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Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report suspicious activity immediately.
By following these safety measures and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to digital arrest scams. Awareness and quick action are crucial in protecting yourself and your information from cybercriminals.
Government of India initiatives to combat the scam
In response to the rising threat of digital arrest scams, the Government has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at curbing these fraudulent activities and protecting citizens from cybercriminals.
Key Initiatives:
Blocking Fraudulent Accounts:
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The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has blocked over 1,000 Skype accounts associated with intimidation, blackmail, extortion, and "digital arrests" perpetrated by cybercriminals impersonating government officials.
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I4C is also facilitating the blocking of SIM cards, mobile devices, and mule accounts utilized by these fraudsters.
Addressing Cross-Border Crime Syndicates:
Alerts and Awareness Campaigns:
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Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued various alerts via infographics, advisories, and videos shared on its social media platforms.
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Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline or the "National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal" for immediate assistance. These proactive measures aim to enhance public awareness and security while disrupting the operations of cybercriminals involved in digital arrest scams.
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been established under Ministry of Home affairs (MHA) to act as a nodal point at National level in the fight against cybercrime. It aims to provide a platform to deal with cybercrimes in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. The Ministry of External Affairs also holds bilateral cyber dialogue with various countries from time to time. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, being a nodal agency for cyber crime in the country, actively participates in such cyber dialogues.
Its helpline number in India is: 1930 for Cyber Fraud Reporting. Users can also lodge complaints online on the Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in), upload relevant evidence, and track the progress of their cases. The portal also offers resources, including cyber safety tips and guidelines to help users prevent cyber incidents. Further, useful cyber safety tips and other awareness promotion material can be accessed at https://awareness.isea.app/awareness-bytes.
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7 April 2025
