Digital Arrest: How Cyber Criminals Exploit Your Fears to Hijack Your Mind and Wallet

Beware: The New Age of Cyber Scams

It was just another ordinary day for Prabir in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, until a seemingly harmless phone call turned his life upside down. The call came in three times, with Prabir ignoring it twice. On the third attempt, he decided to pick up. It was a video call, but the screen remained blank initially. Seconds later, a nude woman appeared on the screen. Before Prabir could process what was happening, the call ended abruptly. Moments later, a WhatsApp notification popped up. It was a screenshot of Prabir with the nude woman, accompanied by a threatening message: “Give us Rs 15 lakh, or we will share the picture with everyone.” Prabir had been cyber-scammed right in the comfort of his own home.

The Evolution of Scamming

Scamming is as old as human civilization, but in the digital age, the methods have evolved and become increasingly sophisticated. Hemant Tiwari, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Delhi Police’s Cyber Crime Unit, explains, “People are scammed wherever they are. Earlier, they were targeted in villages and towns. Now, they are targeted on their phones and the internet.”

New age scammers exploit social media to gather personal information, leveraging our fears and vulnerabilities to defraud us of our hard-earned money. One of the latest and most alarming trends in cyber scams is known as “digital arrest,” where victims are coerced into staying on video calls for hours and transferring their money to the scammers.

However, “digital arrest” is a term invented by scammers. It has no basis in law. “The term ‘digital arrest’ is used by scammers in cyber frauds and scams. The larger issue is that people are getting scammed over phone calls and video calls for substantial amounts of money,” DCP Tiwari emphasizes.

The Mechanics of Cyber Scams

In 2024, numerous cases have surfaced where scammers impersonate police officers and CBI officials to intimidate and defraud victims. These cyber criminals skillfully manipulate their victims, hijacking their minds and making them follow orders for extended periods, sometimes even months. By using personal information obtained from social media, they convincingly pose as investigating officials, exploiting people’s fears to drain their bank accounts.

The Rise of Cybercrime in India

Cyber scams have surged dramatically in recent times. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported a staggering 7,000 cybercrime complaints by May 2024, marking a 114% increase from the period between 2021 and 2023, and a 61% rise from 2022.

The Growing Threat

Triveni Singh, a future crime researcher and former Superintendent of Police (SP) of Cyber Crime in Uttar Pradesh, sheds light on why cyber scams are escalating. “Any crime starts as a small unit, much like a small company. As more people fall victim and the scammers amass more money, these units expand,” Singh explains.

The digital age has provided a fertile ground for scammers to refine their techniques and broaden their reach, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed and vigilant against such threats. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cyber criminals, necessitating continuous efforts to safeguard personal information and financial assets.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from falling victim to such scams, here are some essential tips:

1. Stay Calm and Do Not Panic

• If you receive a suspicious call or message, remain calm. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate their victims.

2. Do Not Engage

• Avoid interacting with unknown or suspicious calls and messages. If you receive an unsolicited video call, especially from an unknown number, do not answer it.

3. Report the Incident

• Immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Contact your local police cybercrime unit and provide them with all the details.

4. Secure Your Devices

• Ensure your devices are protected with strong passwords and biometric locks.
• Install reliable security software to detect and block potential threats.
• Regularly update your operating systems and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.

5. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Enable 2FA on your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if scammers obtain your password, they cannot access your account without a second verification step.

6. Be Cautious with Personal Information

• Avoid sharing personal information such as phone numbers, addresses, or photos on social media platforms.
• Review your privacy settings on social media and limit the visibility of your information to trusted contacts only.

7. Educate Yourself and Others

• Stay informed about the latest scams and tactics used by cybercriminals.
• Share knowledge with friends and family to help them recognize and avoid scams.

8. Verify Sources Before Taking Action

• If you receive a call or message asking for personal information or money, verify the source independently. Contact the organization directly using official contact details, not the ones provided in the message.

9. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

• Regularly check your bank statements and online accounts for any unauthorized transactions. Promptly report any suspicious activity to your bank or service provider.

10. Seek Professional Help If Necessary

• If you become a victim of a scam, seek help from legal and cybersecurity professionals who can guide you through the steps to mitigate the impact.

Some General Practices:

1. Verify Calls and Messages: Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages asking for personal information or money. Always verify the source before taking any action.
2. Use Strong Security Measures: Implement robust security measures on your devices, including two-factor authentication and strong passwords.
3. Limit Sharing Personal Information: Be mindful of where and how you share your personal documents. Unauthorized use of these documents can lead to significant fraud.
4. Regular Monitoring: Frequently check your bank statements and transaction history for any unauthorized activity.

By staying informed and adopting these protective measures, you can reduce the risk of falling prey to the ever-evolving tactics of cyber criminals.