Delhi man loses Rs 6 lakh in digital arrest scam: What is it and how to safeguard yourself

In today’s digital world, scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. A recent case in New Delhi highlights the dangers of a fraud known as a “digital arrest,” which is becoming increasingly common. A man fell victim to this scheme, losing nearly Rs 6 lakh.

The scam began when the victim received a call from someone claiming to be from the Department of Telecommunications. The caller informed him that his mobile number was about to be deactivated. The call was then transferred to another scammer impersonating the Mumbai Police, who further escalated the situation.

Also read: MP woman loses Rs 46 lakh in 5-day digital arrest by scammers: Here’s what happened

Using a well-rehearsed script, these fraudsters convinced the victim that his bank account was linked to criminal activities, reports TOI. They gathered sensitive personal information, including bank account details, under the pretense of conducting an investigation. In a shocking turn of events, the scammers then applied for a loan in the victim’s name.

The funds from the loan were diverted to three different bank accounts. It was only when the victim received notifications of unauthorised transactions that he understood the extent of the scam. Acting quickly, he disabled his internet banking and filed a complaint. But by then, the scammers had already siphoned off Rs 5.97 lakh from the victim’s account. 

What is a Digital Arrest scam?

Digital arrest scams involve fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials to intimidate individuals into handing over money. They typically use threats of arrest or legal action to create a sense of urgency, making it difficult for victims to think clearly. Scammers often follow a script that sounds official and may even transfer calls between different authorities to build credibility.

Also read: Mumbai woman duped of Rs 1.3 cr in year-long dating app scam involving fake govt officials

How to protect yourself

To safeguard against digital arrest scams and similar frauds, consider the following tips:

• Be skeptical of unknown calls: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and verify the information independently. Use official contact numbers to reach out to the agency directly.
• Never share personal information: Be cautious about sharing sensitive details like bank account information or personal identification numbers over the phone.
• Stay informed: Educate yourself about common scams and their warning signs.
• Recognise pressure tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush you into making decisions. They may create a false sense of urgency by insisting that you act immediately to avoid severe consequences, such as arrest or legal action
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the local authorities or cyber police immediately.