Dear Saurabh Kumar,
Frauds are on the rise and it is important to be aware of the different types of scams that are currently prevalent so that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.
What is Digital Arrest fraud?
Fraudsters pose as law enforcement or regulatory officials (e.g., RBI, TRAI, CBI, Customs Department, Police, 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. Scammers use various methods to force victims to transfer money, including fake video calls that seem genuine, with fraudsters impersonating police officers with realistic uniforms, IDs etc.
Common Types of Frauds | | | | • | | Digital Arrest:
The victim receives a video or audio call from a fraudster posing as a police / CBI officer who accuses them or their family member of committing a crime. The fraudster then conducts an interrogation and threatens them with digital arrest.
Reality: Police and other law enforcement agencies do not conduct digital arrests or online interrogations. | | | | • | | Parcel Stuck at Customs
The victim is told that a parcel sent in their name has been intercepted by the Customs department because it contains contraband (illegal) objects or substances. The victim panics and agrees to pay money to resolve the case. Another scenario is where victims are asked to transfer money via a payment link to release a parcel that is held by the Customs department. When the victim clicks on the link, fraudsters get access to their device and use the information on the device to rob the victim.
What to do: Disconnect the call and report the number to the National Cyber Crime helpline at 1930. | | | | • | | TRAI Phone Scam:
Scammers claim to be from TRAI and inform the victim that their mobile number is linked to illegal activities and will be suspended.
Reality: TRAI doesn't suspend mobile services; telecom companies do. | | | | • | | The ‘Earn Big from Easy Tasks’ Scam:
Scammers offer high amounts of money for simple tasks such as liking videos or posts on social media. A small sum is credited to the victim's account to make it appear legitimate. The victim is then asked to transfer a large sum of money to get more such tasks that will pay higher amounts. When the victim transfers the money, the scamsters withdraw it and vanish.
What to do: Remember that schemes offering easy money are scams. Don't be deceived by them. | | | | • | | Investment Fraud:
Victims get a message on messaging apps or see a post on social media about investments that give very attractive returns. Alternatively, they are added to groups on messaging apps where ‘investment tips’ are shared. Victims are then asked to transfer money to begin investing. Scammers use fake screenshots of investment portfolios that show very high returns, fake transaction receipts, fake registration certificates and more, to convince victims that their money is genuinely invested and earning very high profits. After a significant amount of money is collected from victims, the fraudsters withdraw the collected amount and vanish.
Reality: If any investment seems too good to be true, it most likely is a scam. | | | | • | | Family member arrested:
Fraudsters posing as police officers inform the victim that a close relative is / will be arrested on a serious charge. The victim is told to pay money for dropping the charges. Some fraudsters might even use Al (Artificial Intelligence) 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 an amount has been credited to their account. The scamster then calls the victim and says that the transaction was carried out by mistake and asks 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 before transferring any money back. |
| | | | Safety Tips: | | | | • | | Remember: There is nothing like ‘Digital Arrest’ as per Indian law. | | | | • | | Always verify any officer’s identify by independently contacting government or law enforcement agencies. | | | | • | | Government officials and law enforcement agencies will never ask for payment or banking details. | | | | • | | Avoid sharing personal or financial information over unsolicited calls or video chats. | | | | • | | Banks will never ask for your username, password, OTP, CVV, Card PIN or other bank details. | | | | • | | Never disclose your personal details like Credit Card Number, Debit Card / Debit Card PIN or UPI PIN to anyone. | | | | • | | Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. | | | | • | | Do not open e-mails / links that look suspicious. | | | | • | | Do not trust any e-mail / SMS that asks for your personal information. | | | | • | | Avoid downloading or opening attachments from unknown sources. | | | | • | | Always have strong and unique passwords. Include a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. | | | | • | | Always read communication sent by banks about frauds so that you are updated about prevalent scams. | | | | • | | Always consult or take guidance from your family members or close relatives or your Relationship Manager before carrying out any of the transactions mentioned above. |
| | | Following these simple tips can go a long way in helping you keep your savings safe and secure.
Please report all incidents of fraud immediately at the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call the helpline on 1930. You can also report the incident to the ICICI Bank helpline on 1800 2662. | | | Sincerely,
Team ICICI Bank | | |
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