Maj Sadhna Singh, Consultant
What once began as harmless pranks in the early days of computers and the internet-where hackers focused on defacing websites and posting jokeshas transformed into a full-fledged, ever-evolving industry. Over the years, cybercriminals have honed their tactics, adapting to new technologies and devising increasingly sophisticated methods.
The year 2024 witnessed a surge in cyber scams, employing a wide range of strategies to swindle people out of their hard-earned money under the guise of Digital Arrest. No one was spared, as the targets ranged from high-ranking officials and journalists to security personnel and innocent elderly individuals. From basic online scams to large-scale operations reminiscent of ‘Jamtara,’ and with the emergence of high-profile digital arrests, cybercrime is no longer a distant threat – it has become a pervasive reality. Digital Arrest is an elaborate scam designed to extort victims of their savings through intimidation, deceit and blackmail. Fraudsters often pose as law enforcement officials, using fear as their primary weapon. The larger the amount they aim to steal, the more sophisticated their operation becomes.
Surprisingly, it all begins with a seemingly innocent phone call. Many of us, regardless of our backgrounds, have encountered such calls. They might start with a casual claim like a parcel booked in your name being sent to Taiwan, threats of your phone number being blocked due to unpaid bills, or requests for KYC verification. Others may offer tempting work-from-home opportunities. However, if you continue engaging, these calls often take a sinister turn, luring victims into traps that could lead to significant financial loss.
Common Modus-Operandi used by scamsters
- Initial contact: Scammers impersonate police officers, government agencies (like CBI, ED, Customs, or Interpol), or cybercrime units. The victim is contacted through Phone calls (VoIP numbers), WhatsApp messages, e-mails and fake official-looking letters or arrest warrants.
- Creating panic & fear: The scammer accuses the victim of a serious crime like money laundering, drug trafficking, illegal financial transactions, cybercrime involvement. They claim an arrest warrant has been issued and the victim must take immediate action to avoid detention.
- Digital verification tricks: Scammers use fake video calls or send doctored ID cards, documents, or arrest warrants to make their claims look real. Some fraudsters spoof official phone numbers to appear genuine. They may create fake websites or profiles mimicking real law enforcement agencies.
- Coercion & extortion: The victim is threatened with immediate arrest, freezing of bank accounts, or passport cancellation. They are told to maintain secrecy and not inform family or lawyers. The scammer demands a ‘security deposit’ or ‘fine’ to cancel the case or avoid legal action.
- Payment methods used: Victims are asked to transfer money digitally through UPI transactions, Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, USDT etc.), prepaid gift cards (like Amazon, Google Play, iTunes), international wire transfers and fake ‘government’ payment links. Some victims are forced to share banking details or make transactions under surveillance via remote access apps.
- Disappearance & damage: Once the payment is made the scammers disconnect all communication and vanish. Victims realize they were scammed when they try to verify with real authorities.
- Layering & laundering for fraudulent transactions: The payment maybe then divided into multiple smaller parts, and distributed to multiple accounts, using layering methods. This money is then shared to offshore accounts or Shell Companies account for illicit use and misleading the authorities.
India’s Fight against Cyber Crime and Digital Arrest
The Central Government has strengthened its efforts to combat cybercrimes through a series of coordinated initiatives.
Key measures include:
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this centre coordinates cybercrime prevention, investigation, and capacity building across India.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: A dedicated portal to allow the public to report cybercrimes, with a focus on cases involving women and children. It helps convert reports into FIRs, ensuring swift action by local law enforcement.
- Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: Launched in 2021, this platform aids in the immediate reporting of financial frauds. It has successfully saved over ₹3431 Crore across 9.94 lakh complaints.
- Joint Cyber Coordination Teams: Seven teams have been set up in key locations across the country to tackle cybercrime hotspots and enhance coordination between state and national law enforcement.
- Cyber Forensic Labs: The establishment of the National Cyber Forensic Laboratory in Delhi and the Evidence Lab in Hyderabad has significantly improved the ability of police to handle digital evidence.
- Capacity Building through CyTrain: The I4C has developed an online platform, CyTrain, to train law enforcement and judicial officers on cybercrime investigation, forensics, and prosecution. Over 98,000 police officers have been trained.
- Cyber Crime Prevention Funding: Under the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme, ₹131.60 Crore has been allocated to states for building cyber forensic labs and training law enforcement.
- Cyber Hygiene Awareness: I4C has trained over 40,000 NCC and NSS cadets and more than 7,000 government officials on best practices in cyber hygiene.
- SIM and IMEI Blocking: Over 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEI numbers have been blocked, helping curb cybercrime.
- International Spoofed Call Blocking: In partnership with telecom service providers, the government has implemented a system to block international spoofed calls that cyber criminals use to impersonate officials.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The government disseminates cyber safety messages through SMS, social media, radio, and even digital displays in public places like metro stations and airports.
Through these efforts, the government is building a robust framework to prevent and address cybercrimes, fostering a safer digital environment for all.
Our contribution: Fight against Digital Arrest
The government, police, and various agencies play a crucial role in combating cybercrime, but the greater responsibility lies with us, the citizens of India. To protect ourselves and our communities, we must prioritize education and awareness, especially among the most vulnerable – the young and elderly and the rural population, who are at higher risk of falling prey to digital arrest scams. Awareness is our strongest defence. By openly discussing how these scams operate and what actions to take if targeted, we can collectively strengthen our resistance against such cyber frauds.
Cyber scams and digital arrest frauds can affect anyone, from students to professionals and social media influencers, with no one immune to these threats. Instead of blaming victims, we must foster a supportive environment where they feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment or reputational harm. The rise of digital arrest scams in India is largely driven by society’s tendency to shame victims, who, even when innocent, face doubt, blame, and social stigma, which discourages them from reporting the crime. This silence enables scammers to thrive, as many victims, fearing the damage to their social standing, choose to stay silent, allowing cyber fraud to grow unchecked. It’s time to change this narrative. Support, not shame, is the way forward in fighting digital fraud. Let’s encourage open discussions, break the silence, and empower victims to come forward. Awareness, education, and a united effort from both authorities and citizens are key to combating cyber fraud and protecting individuals from becoming victims and together, they can turn the tide against digital fraud – empowering victims, exposing scammers, and building a safer digital world for all.
