In Digital Arrest, scammers trick the people on video calls by posing as police, CBI/RBI/Narcotics or ED officers. Interestingly, scammers use studios like real police stations and government offices and also wear police uniforms to look real. Nowadays, this is growing at a fast pace in India. Many complaints are being registered about this across the country. However, there is no such term as “digital arrest” in the law.
MODUS OPERANDI:
Stage — 1
The scammers typically call a 'potential victim' and inform that you are the intended recipient of a parcel/courier/FedEx, which contains illegal goods, drugs, fake passports or any other items.
Stage — 2
Further, scammers ask 'potential victims' to appear on video calls and then money is demanded by them to settle the matter. The target person (victim) is psychologically forced to stay online on video chat, i.e., called “digital arrest” until the scammers demands are met.
If you have been a victim of digital arrest scams, then it's time to get help from the Cybercrime Helpdesk.
Please follow these 3 simple steps.
📌 1. File your complaint to the nearest cyber cell or online through the national cybercrime portal (cybercrime.gov.in)📌 2. Reach out to the ODFC: Provide detailed information along with complaint PDF, transaction statement, call records and other proofs etc.📌 3. Based on the ODFC's cyber team guidance, you may take the necessary steps to resolve the issue, which may involve communicating with the concerned police department and your bank etc.
Is there any fee, I need to pay to avail the ODFC Cyber services? Yes, the ODFC has a very nominal subscription fee for the services it offers.
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