What Is the Digital Arrest Scam?
Scammers claiming to be a legitimate law enforcement officer call you.
Contact is initiated through social media or WhatsApp, claiming that you have committed some crime or violation, or that someone else has committed some crime or violation using your information (ID, phone number, name, etc.)
The scammers will try to ensure your compliance, either through fear (through threats and coercion), or trust (by pretending to be on your side to help you clear your name). Upon answering a call, you will be forced to turn on your video camera.
Scammers will usually be dressed in uniform and sitting in what appears to be a legitimate police station or government office. You will be sent a certificate of arrest or FIR in your name with official looking stamps and seals.
You will be told that you are being placed under ‘Digital Arrest’, and that if you hang up or inform someone, the police will come to your door and arrest you.
You will then be asked to pay a certain sum of money to ‘settle the matter’, and ensure that your name is removed from the investigation.
What To Look Out For?
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A DIGITAL ARREST!!
Real law enforcement will never contact you over social media!
What To Do If A Digital Arrest Scam Is Happening Right Now
- Hang up IMMEDIATELY!
- If you are apprehensive that the so-called "offense" may be legitimate, you should get the name of the "officer" and the "police station" and reach out from your end to the police station directly.
- Document all information such as names, mobile numbers, accounts they reached out from, details of the scam.
- Never transfer any money either through UPI, gift cards, RTGS etc. to the "officers".
- Contact your bank and inform them of the same.
Contact your nearest cybercrime cell and report all the details.
Dial toll free number 1930 or report to the cybercrime portal here.
What To Do If You Have Lost Money to A Digital Arrest Scam Recently?
- Seek help immediately. The first few hours are critical.
- Reach out to a trusted person and inform them of the scam
- Report the same to your bank immediately and ask them to freeze all accounts and reverse any unauthorized transactions.
- Dial toll free number 1930 or report to the cybercrime portal here or on the Sanchar Saathi portal here.
- Reach out to us on RightsLine or any other lawyers that you trust.