Digital Arrest

Digital Arrest: The number of digital arrest scams and related cybercrimes in India almost tripled between 2022 and 2024, with the defrauded amount skyrocketing 21 times.

• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has proactively identified and blocked accounts used for digital arrests.
• About Digital Arrest: A new tactic where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims by making them believe they’ve committed a serious crime.
• Modus Operandi: Fraudsters pose as officials from police, ED, CBI, etc., tricking victims into believing they’ve been accused of a crime.

o Victims are forced to stay visible on Skype or video conferencing platforms until demands are met.

o Victims are deceived into believing they’re under ‘digital arrest’, unable to leave their homes unless they pay the scammers.

• Preventive Measures: Regularly update passwords/software, enable two-factor authenticatio.

o Avoid Phishing: Don’t click on suspicious links or share personal information without verification.

oUse VPNs: Encrypt internet connections for enhanced privacy. Avoid free/untrusted VPNs.

o Secure Communication: Use encryption for sensitive information; avoid sharing passwords in public forums.