Digital Arrest Scam – How cybercriminals use fear to empty your bank account?
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe “Digital Arrest” scam is a fear-based phishing scam that aims to trick victims into believing they are under investigation or wanted for an alleged crime, usually related to online fraud, tax evasion, or other criminal activity. Cybercriminals use this tactic to manipulate people into making rushed decisions, ultimately leading to money theft. Here’s how the scam works and the steps used to intimidate victims:
1. Initial Contact
The scam often begins with an email, phone call, or text message claiming to be from Law Enforcement Agencies in India i.e. Income Tax Department, Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), CBI, or another official agency. The message usually states that the victim is under investigation or faces arrest due to some criminal activity involving their bank account or identity.
2. Instilling Fear
The scammers escalate the fear by using intimidating language and fabricated legal jargon. They may claim that there’s an active warrant for the person’s arrest, a hold on their bank accounts, or that they’re being monitored. To pressure the victim into complying, they might set deadlines for action, like “You must respond within 24 hours” or “Your arrest is imminent.”
3. Request for Sensitive Information
To “resolve” the issue, the victim is usually asked to verify sensitive details such as PAN no., aadhaar number, bank account information, or even login credentials. They may be told this is needed to “clear their name” or confirm their innocence. The scammers might ask victims to download remote desktop software to gain full access to their devices.
4. Demands for Immediate Payment
Next, the scammers claim that the person can avoid arrest or prosecution by paying a fine or “penalty.” Payment is often requested in untraceable forms, like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. They provide instructions on how to make the payment and may stay on the phone until the transaction is complete.
5. Draining Bank Accounts
Once the scammers gain access to financial information or payment, they may empty the victim’s bank account, make unauthorized transactions, or use the victim’s details for identity theft.
How to Protect Yourself
- Stay calm: Law enforcement agencies don’t send random threats or arrest warrants via email or text.
- Verify legitimacy: Contact official agencies directly using numbers from their official websites to confirm the legitimacy of the message.
- Don’t share sensitive information: Never give away important numbers, banking information, or login details to someone contacting you out of the blue.
- Report the incident: Report the scam to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and your bank to secure your accounts if you think you’ve been targeted.
What to do if you are a victim of Digital Arrest Scam and lost money?
If you are a victim of digital arrest scam, the first step is to immediately report your bank and freeze your account.
- Report such crimes immediately by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
- File a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
- Always keep whatever evidence you have — call details, transaction details, messages, etc.
Recognizing the signs of a “Digital Arrest” scam can protect you from falling victim to this tactic. Remember that government agencies follow strict, formal processes, which do not involve random messages or phone threats.