Digital Arrest Cyber Crime

🧠 What is a Digital Arrest Scam?

Digital Arrest is a cyber fraud technique where scammers pretend to be from law enforcement or government bodies like the CBI, NCB, RBI, TRAI, or Cyber Cell, and they falsely accuse the victim of being involved in a crime (like money laundering, drug smuggling, illegal courier, or pornographic activity). They threaten “arrest” via video call, and then extort money or access to personal data.

🎯 Why Does It Happen?

1. Exploiting Fear of Authority:
   Most people panic when they hear they’re accused of a crime.
2. Lack of Legal Knowledge:
   Victims don’t understand how real law enforcement works.
3. Tech-enabled Scams:
   Easy availability of video conferencing, fake documents, voice masking, remote access tools.
4. Target Audience:
   • Housewives
   • Senior citizens
   • Educated youth
   • Online workers & small business owners

🧪 How It Happens (Detailed Step-by-Step Flow)

🔹 Step 1: The Fake Contact

• Victim gets a WhatsApp message, email, or phone call.
• Caller claims to be from a reputed authority: CBI, NCB, RBI, Cyber Crime, Customs, FedEx, etc.
• Sometimes the scammer uses a fake courier parcel scenario:
  “A parcel in your name containing illegal documents was caught.”

🔹 Step 2: Building Fear

• Scammer threatens:
  • You’ll be digitally arrested
  • Your bank accounts will be frozen
  • You are involved in financial terrorism, child porn, or money laundering
• They show fake arrest warrants, CBI/Police badges, or email with letterheads.

🔹 Step 3: Captive Surveillance via Video Call

• Victim is forced to stay on a video call for hours/days.
• Scammer says: “You are under digital surveillance by the court. You cannot disconnect.”
• This isolates the victim and prevents them from seeking help.

🔹 Step 4: Demands Begin

• Pay a “verification fee” or “security deposit” to close the case.
• Forced to install screen-sharing apps like:
  • AnyDesk
  • TeamViewer
  • QuickSupport
• Scammers may access the phone and steal money, files, contacts.

🔹 Step 5: Psychological Traps

• Emotional blackmail:
  “If you disconnect, we’ll issue an arrest warrant.”
• Scammers keep increasing the amount of money demanded over time.

📌 Red Flags (Warning Signs)

Red Flag	What it Means
Asked to stay on video call	Fake arrest attempt
Asked to pay by UPI or wallet	Fraud payment
Demands remote access	Device compromise
Uses fear of FIR/arrest	Psychological scam
Fake document with seals	Fabricated government order

🛡️ How to Prevent Digital Arrest Fraud

✅ Awareness is Key

• Government authorities NEVER arrest over video calls
• They do not demand money via UPI, GPay, or phone calls
• Law enforcement only communicates via official letters, email domains (e.g., @gov.in)

✅ Don’t Panic

• Take a deep breath. Do not react emotionally.
• Do not stay on any suspicious calls. Cut the call immediately.

✅ Verify the Caller

• Use Truecaller or Google the name and number.
• Call the official helpline of the mentioned department.

✅ Never Install Remote Access Apps

• Only install screen-sharing tools when under trusted professional support.
• Disable permissions and uninstall immediately if installed under pressure.

✅ Educate Your Family

• Create awareness among:
  • Elderly parents
  • Homemakers
  • Teenagers who use smartphones
  • People with limited legal or cyber knowledge

🧾 Legal & Immediate Steps to Take

1. Immediately Disconnect the Call

• End the call even if they say “We’re watching you.” It’s a bluff.

2. Preserve Evidence

• Take screenshots of:
  • Call logs
  • Fake ID cards/warrants
  • Chat messages
  • UPI payment requests
  • Video call snippets (if recorded)

3. Call the Cyber Helpline (📞 1930)

• The 1930 number is active 24/7 for reporting online financial frauds.

4. File Complaint at Cyber Crime Portal

• Visit https://cybercrime.gov.in
• File under “Online Financial Fraud” or “Impersonation”
• Upload all evidence

5. Visit Local Police Station / Cyber Cell

• File an FIR (First Information Report)
• Submit printouts/screenshots as proof

📚 Real-Life Cases in India

🔸 Case 1: Pune Techie Pays ₹12.5 Lakhs
A software engineer was “digitally arrested” by scammers posing as CBI for alleged “porn content sharing” via courier. He was kept on call for 36 hours and lost over ₹12 lakh.

🔸 Case 2: Delhi Woman Pays ₹8.4 Lakhs
Victim was told a parcel to Taiwan in her name contained illegal documents. Fake NCB and Interpol officers forced her to pay money over 2 days.

🧠 Useful Awareness Slogans

🛑 Real CBI doesn’t work on WhatsApp
🧑‍⚖️ No digital arrest can happen on call
🚔 Fear is a scammer’s weapon—Verify before you Trust
📴 If it’s scary and urgent—Cut the call and call 1930

🧰 Tools to Stay Safe

Tool	Use
Truecaller	Identify fraud callers
Norton Safe Web / TrendMicro	Website reputation checker
ScamAdviser.com	To verify websites/links
AnyDesk detector app	Warns about remote access
Google Lens	Reverse search fake documents

🛡️ Cyber Security Help is Just a Call Away!
📚 Training | 🧠 Awareness | 👨‍💻 Expert Consultation

📞 Suyash Infosolutions
📲 +91 93217 00024 WhatsApp
🕙 Timing: 10 AM – 5 PM (Mon–Sat)

✅ Stay Safe. Stay Smart. Stay Secure

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