Social networking, online businesses, mobile computing transform people’s lifestyles and work-related activities. Unfortunately, the availability of these opportunities gives a breeding ground for scammers. The Digital Arrest Scam is a new type but sophisticated scam.

Digital Arrest Scam preys on people’s fear of law enforcement and unfamiliarity with legal and digital systems.

• Between January and April 2024, Indians lost a staggering ₹1,200 million to Digital Arrest scams.
• The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal recorded 740,000 complaints related to Digital Arrest scams during the first few months of 2024.

This blog explores how Digital Arrest Scam works, the impact, and how to stay safe it.

What is the Digital Arrest Scam?

The Digital Arrest Scam explanation:

• Scammers reach out to the victim via phone, email, or social media. The Scammer alleges the victim’s involvement in a criminal offense.

• Allegations made are of rational accusations, but they are baseless.

• Scammers informs the victim about the ‘arrest warrant’ issued. To avoid prosecution, Scammers ask the victim to pay money immediately, known as a ‘penalty or fine.’

• Scammers demand payments as cryptocurrency, a prepaid debit card, or a wire transfer.

How does Digital Arrest Scam work?

Step 1: The Hook

Scammers reach out to the victim via a phone or fake email ID resembling a government entity.

Step 2: The Fear Tactic

Scammer uses the fear emotion to manipulate the victim. Victims panic when informed that their bank accounts are under investigation. Scammers inform that the victim’s arrest is inevitable.

Step 3: The Solution

Scammers convince the victims to pay money immediately to avoid arrest. Scammers create the sense of urgency saying, “You have only 30 minutes to comply.”

Step 4: The Payment

Victim pays the fee via other channels that are difficult to investigate and trace. Scammers request the victims to buy various gift cards or transfer them through cryptocurrencies.

Step 5: Aftermath

The Scammers disconnect after the victim pays the agreed amount. But the victim feels helpless facing identity theft or financial loss and more.

Who are the Digital Arrest Scam Targets?

Anyone can fall victim to the Digital Arrest Scam, but certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Elderly Individuals

• Young Professionals

• Immigrants

• High Net-Worth Individuals

How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scam?

• Verify the Source

• Do Not Share Information

• Stay Calm

• Enable Caller ID and Email Filters

What to do if you are the target of a Digital Arrest Scam?

• Report the scam ( https://cybercrime.gov.in/ or helpline 1930)

• Contact your bank

• Track Your credit score

• Raise Awareness

Conclusion

The Digital Arrest Scam highlights the ever-evolving threats in the digital world. While scammers refine their tactics, staying vigilant is the key to protection. Remember, no legit authority demands urgent payments or makes threats.

Don’t let cybercriminals win! Educate yourself and your organization.

SNS provides Cybersecurity Awareness Workshops to empower corporate employees across India. Stay safe, stay informed !

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Swathi

Author

Working IT professional and a Cyber Security enthusiast. Passionate to write about Cyber Security topics and Solutions. I share my insights as I study articles and trending topics in the field of Cyber Security.