Emails that are not meant for me: Stay alert: Beware of Digital Arrest frauds

Dear Saurabh Kumar Agarwal,

Frauds are on the rise, and it is important for us to be aware of the different types of frauds that are currently prevalent so that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.

What are Digital Arrest scams?
Scammers pose as law enforcement or regulatory officials (e.g. RBI, TRAI, CBI, Customs Department etc.) and create a false scenario where victims are accused of illegal activities. They demand money to resolve the situation, often asking victims to transfer funds to an account that appears official. They use various methods to force victims to transfer money including fraudsters impersonating police officers and fake video calls that look genuine due to realistic uniforms, IDs and other props.


		Digital Arrest: The victim may receive a video or audio call from a fraudster posing as police/CBI officer who will accuse them or their family member of committing a crime. They will conduct an interrogation and threaten them with digital arrest. Reality: Police don't conduct digital arrests or online interrogations.

		Parcel stuck at Customs The victim is told that a parcel sent in the victim's name has been intercepted by the Customs department because it contains contraband (illegal) objects or substances. The average person panics and agrees to pay money to resolve the case. The victim could also be asked to send some amount to release the shipment. This is usually done by sending the victim a link. If you click on link, the fraudsters get access to your device and use it to rob you. What to do: Disconnect the call and report the number to the Cyber Crime helpline at 1930.

		TRAI Phone Scam: Scammers claim to be from TRAI and state that the victim's mobile number is linked to illegal activities and will be suspended. Reality: TRAI doesn't suspend services; telecom companies do.

		Earn big from easy tasks Scammers offer high sums for simple tasks such as liking videos or posts on social media. A small sum is credited to the victim's account to appear legitimate. The victim is then asked to transfer a large sum of money to get more such tasks that will pay higher returns. Alternatively, the victim can be asked to invest in cryptocurrency and other assets for high returns. When the victim transfers a large sum, the scamsters siphon it off and vanish. What to do: Remember that schemes offering easy money are scams. Don't be deceived by them.

		Family member arrested Fraudsters posing as police officers inform the victim that a close relative will be arrested on a serious charge. The victim is told to pay money for dropping the charges. Some fraudsters might even use Al to mimic the family member and make the case appear genuine. What to do: Don't panic. Verify with your family members before taking any action.

		Money transferred by mistake The victim gets a fake text message that some amount has been credited to their account. The scamster then calls the victim and says that the transaction was done by mistake and wants the victim to return the money. However, the text message received by the victim is fake and no money was actually transferred. What to do: Verify transactions with your bank.

Following these simple tips can go a long way in helping you keep your savings safe and secure.-mentioned transactions.

Please report all incidents of fraud immediately at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call the helpline on 1930. Alternatively, you may call the ICICI Bank helpline on 18002662.

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