What is a digital arrest scam?
A digital arrest scam is an online scam that defrauds victims of their hard-earned money. The scammers intimidate the victims and falsely accuse them of illegal activities. They later demand money and puts them under pressure for making the payment.
How digital arrest scam works?
In digital arrest scam, perpetrators pose as law enforcement officials, such as CBI agents, income tax officers, or customs agents, and initiate contact with victims via phone calls. Subsequently, they request that the victims switch to video communication through platforms like WhatsApp and Skype. The scammers then threaten the victims with a digital arrest warrant, citing various reasons such as financial misconduct, tax evasion, or other legal violations. In certain instances, these fraudsters create a police station-like set-up to further convince victims that the call is legitimate. Under the guise of “clearing their name”, “assisting with the investigation”, or “refundable security deposit/escrow account”, individuals are coerced into transferring large sums of money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs. Once the victims comply and make the payment, the scammers vanish, leaving the victims to face financial loss and potential identity theft.
How to save Yourself?
1. Digital Surveillance and Monitoring
Digital surveillance tools allow authorities to monitor online activities. This can range from tracking browsing habits and social media posts to intercepting emails and private messages.
- How to Protect Yourself: Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp to keep conversations private. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts to secure your devices and accounts from unauthorized access. Consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address and location while browsing, making it harder for trackers to monitor your activity.
2. Device Confiscation and Search
- In some cases, authorities can legally confiscate electronic devices, which can expose personal and sensitive data. This can occur during physical searches at borders, public spaces, or as part of an investigation.
- How to Protect Yourself: Encrypt your device: Use full-disk encryption on your laptop, phone, and other devices. This ensures that without the password, no one can easily access the information on your device. Use secure backups: Regularly back up data to an encrypted cloud storage service or an external drive, so if a device is confiscated, you still have access to your information. Secure your device lock settings: Consider setting a strong alphanumeric password instead of a PIN or fingerprint, as some jurisdictions legally compel biometric unlocking more easily than passwords.
3. Internet Censorship and Blocking
- Digital arrests may involve blocking access to specific websites, social media platforms, or communication channels, particularly in regions with strict censorship policies.
- How to Protect Yourself: Circumvent censorship: Use VPNs, the Tor browser, or proxy servers to bypass website blocks and access restricted content. Access alternative communication channels: If mainstream social media or messaging apps are blocked, consider decentralized or alternative platforms like Matrix.org or Peer Tube for communication and sharing content.
4. Digital Blacklisting
- Being added to a digital blacklist can restrict online participation, such as being banned from specific websites, apps, or payment processors, often due to perceived violations or security flags.
- How to Protect Yourself: Maintain a professional online presence: Keep your digital footprint clean and adhere to platform rules to avoid unnecessary attention. Appeal wrongful actions: Many platforms offer appeals processes if you believe you've been blacklisted unfairly. Use alternative services: Have backup accounts on different platforms to avoid relying solely on one service and consider multiple payment options if engaging in online transactions.
5. Awareness and Legal Protections
- Know your rights: Different countries have varying laws around digital privacy, so understanding the rights you hold in your region is key. For example, some places limit device searches without a warrant.
- Consult a digital rights organization: Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) or Access Now provide resources and sometimes direct support for those facing digital rights violations.
What to do if you are a victim of digital arrest scam and lost money?
If you fall victim to a digital arrest scam and lose money, you can take specific steps to mitigate the damage and improve your chances of recovering your funds:
1. Report the Incident Immediately
- Local Authorities: File a report with your local police department or cybercrime unit. Many countries have cybercrime reporting portals where you can log digital fraud incidents.
- Bank or Financial Institution: Contact your bank, credit card company, or any payment service involved in the transaction. Inform them that you were a victim of fraud and ask if they can reverse or halt the transaction. Most banks have protocols to handle these cases, and acting quickly is essential.
2. Collect Evidence and Document Details
- Save Communication: Preserve any emails, messages, screenshots, or receipts related to the scam. This documentation can be valuable for reporting purposes and for any investigation that might follow.
- Record Transaction Details: Keep a record of the date, time, amount lost, and the accounts involved. If the scammers used specific platforms or websites, note those as well.
3. Request a Chargeback
- If you paid by credit card or through a payment processor (e.g., PayPal, Google Pay), contact them to initiate a chargeback or dispute the transaction. Many providers have consumer protection policies for fraudulent transactions, which could help recover some or all of your money.
As soon as you get a call, stop– don’t panic, stay calm, don’t take any hasty steps, don’t give away your personal information to anyone; if possible, take a screenshot and record it for sure. No government agency threatens you on the phone like this, neither enquires nor demands money on a video call like this. If you feel scared, then know that something is wrong.
Dial the national cyber helpline 1930, report on cybercrime.gov.in , inform family and police, preserve evidence. ‘Stop’, then ‘Think’, and then take ‘Action’. These three steps will become the protector of your digital security.
