Click with Care and Stay Safe in a World Powered by Technology

Technology is all around us, changing how we live, work, and stay connected. But it’s important to remember that with all the benefits, there are also some risks we need to be aware of.

Heard about the Digital Arrest Scam?

The Digital Arrest Scam typically begins with an alarming phone call, email, or text message. The message claims that the recipient is under investigation for illegal online activity and faces arrest or fines unless they take immediate action.

Victims are then pressured to:

1. Pay fines using digital payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards.
2. Share personal details such as bank account information or passwords.
3. Install software that grants the scammers remote access to their devices.

Common Online Scams in India

1. Scammers pretend to be from banks and ask for OTPs. Once shared, they steal money.
2. Fraudsters send QR codes saying you’ll receive money, but instead, they take your money.
3. Some apps offer instant loans but steal your personal details and harass you later.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

To avoid falling victim to this scam, be aware of the following warning signs:

• Requests for Immediate Action: Scammers pressure you to act quickly, preventing you from verifying their claims.
• Demand for Untraceable Payments: Payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers is a major red flag.
• Threatening Language: They often use aggressive language to manipulate your emotions.

Green Flags You Need to Follow

• Stay Calm: If you receive such a call or message, do not panic. Take a moment to assess the situation.
• Verify the Source: Contact the alleged organization directly using official contact details from their website. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay updated on common scams and share this knowledge with friends and family to create awareness.

Recent high-profile cases in India shed light on the alarming cases where people have fallen into the trap but came out even stronger and more aware

One of the victims of Gurugram, lost around ?6cr in a digital arrest scam.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/crime/she-lost-6cr-in-a-digital-arrest-scam-then-she-fought-back/articleshow/117076406.cms

Indians lost more than INR 120 crore to "digital arrest" hoaxes during the first quarter of 2024. These figures are even more alarming, as many victims don't report such crimes. Stolen funds are mostly transferred into overseas accounts or cryptocurrency wallets.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/digital-arrest-scam-indians-lost-rs-120-crore-in-first-3-months-of-2024-to-the-fraud-that-pm-narendra-modi-warned-about-in-mann-ki-baat/articleshow/114678330.cms

The Bengaluru techie losing ?11.8 crore highlights the danger of digital fraud.

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/software-engineer-loses-rs-11-8-crore-to-digital-arrest-scam-in-bengaluru-7314204

Things are so bad that even our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi talked about the scam in his monthly radio talk in October

https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pms-address-in-the-115th-episode-of-mann-ki-baat/

Scammers posing as officials from India’s telecom regulator call people, claiming their phone number will be disconnected due to complaints about harassing messages. Sometimes, they warn that the number will be blocked within 2 hours unless immediate action is taken.

The calls often come from numbers starting with +99 or +1, like the recent scam call we noticed from +9923097145. These numbers appear genuine, making it hard to doubt their authenticity.

The best defense against the digital arrest scam is awareness. Scammers rely on their victims' ignorance about such schemes. By spreading knowledge about this scam, we can collectively make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.

What To Do If You Are Scammed

If you think you have been tricked, act quickly:

1. Call the 1930 helpline within 15–20 minutes to stop the transfer.
2. File a complaint with the cybercrime police in your area.

Scams are becoming more common in 2025, but with awareness, we can stay one step ahead. Always verify any claims of legal action or fines before taking action. Remember, official authorities will never ask for payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards or demand sensitive information over a phone call or email. The government is working hard to fight these scams, but staying alert is the best way to protect yourself.

Stay alert, stay informed, and help others do the same.

Have you faced any such scams, or do you have tips to stay safe? Share your thoughts in the comments! ??