In a concerning trend of cyber fraud, two distressing cases have surfaced in Faridabad, Haryana, and Noida, Uttar Pradesh, shedding light on the menacing practice of "digital arrest." Unwitting women were targeted in both instances, falling victim to psychological manipulation by cybercriminals posing as law enforcement officers, leading to substantial financial losses in the lakhs.
What Is 'Digital Arrest'?
Digital Arrest involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement officers and manipulating victims by falsely implicating their Aadhaar card, SIM card, bank cards, or accounts in criminal activities. They coerce victims into paying money based on fabricated accusations.
Faridabad Case: Woman Duped of Rs 2.5 Lakhs
A 23-year-old woman from Faridabad fell prey to this scam, losing Rs 2.5 lakh. The fraudsters, posing as customs officers, accused her of involvement in sending passports and cards linked to her Aadhaar number to Cambodia for criminal purposes, including human trafficking. Using psychological tactics, the cybercriminals coerced her into believing fake complaints, demanding money to avoid a "digital arrest." They monitored her via Skype while she transferred funds to their designated account, releasing her after extracting the money.
Noida Case: Woman Defrauded of Over Rs 11 Lakhs
In a separate incident in Noida, another woman lost over Rs 11 lakh to a similar "digital arrest" scheme. The cybercriminals impersonated police officials, connecting the victim to fictitious criminal cases involving her Aadhaar card and personal details. They coerced her into believing she was involved in illegal activities like purchasing a SIM card for unlawful advertising and harassment. Using deceptive interrogation tactics, they demanded funds for a supposed Supreme Court-ordered investigation, pressuring her to maintain account balances and even apply for a hefty loan.
Lessons Learned
These cases emphasize the evolving tactics of cybercriminals who exploit individuals through psychological manipulation and fabricated accusations. Increased awareness and vigilance among the public are crucial to thwarting such scams. Inspector Reeta Yadav of Noida's Cyber Crime police station advised people to demand proper notices, question details, and visit police stations if threatened digitally, as the police do not conduct digital interrogations.
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