Digital Arrest Scams: A Growing Threat
Digital arrest scams are becoming increasingly common, with fraudsters exploiting psychological manipulation to steal victims’ hard-earned money. These scams rely on pressuring individuals into believing they are criminals.
Motive
The primary goal is to extort money by using social engineering and psychological pressure, often under the pretense of crime accusations.
How Does It Start?
The scam typically begins with a phone call. An automated IVR system claims:
• A FedEx parcel is held by customs,
• Or, the telecom department is canceling your mobile number due to alleged criminal misuse.
The IVR instructs you to press “1” to speak with customer care for further details.
What Happens When You Press 1?
A scammer, impersonating a representative, answers the call and tricks you into believing that they have evidence against you. To resolve the matter, they insist you file an FIR, providing random or fake details, before transferring you to a so-called “officer.”
Conversation with the Impersonating Officer
The scammer posing as a police officer uses every tactic to convince you that you are involved in serious illegal activities. This marks the start of the “digital arrest.”
• The fake officer may instruct you to lock yourself in a room.
• The call is then transferred to another scammer impersonating a court official.
• In extreme cases, victims are asked to turn on their camera and undress, with the footage later used for extortion.
Final Step: Extortion
The scam concludes with the victim being coerced into paying large sums of money. During this time, the victim is psychologically isolated, convinced of their guilt, and manipulated into compliance.
Stay Vigilant: Recognize these scams, avoid engaging with unknown callers, and report such incidents to the authorities.
