India is seeing a rise in cybercrime, with fraud artists employing creative strategies to take advantage of people’s anxiety and sense of urgency. Through networks like WhatsApp, one such scheme—known as “digital arrest scams”—has become an increasingly dangerous threat. In one recent instance, scammers impersonating representatives of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) defrauded a 25-year-old student at IIT Bombay out of ₹7.28 lakh.
When the engineering student got a call from an unidentified number in July, the ordeal started. Declaring that 17 complaints had been filed against the student’s mobile number, the caller identified himself as a TRAI official and accused the student of engaging in unlawful activity. By threatening a “digital arrest” if the student didn’t follow their directions, the scammers intensified the issue.
The victim made many transfers of ₹7.28 lakh to accounts supplied by the scammers out of fear of the stated accusations and possible legal repercussions. According to a media report, the scammers stated that the payments were required to clear his record and prevent additional legal action.
This instance is not a singular occurrence. Many people in India have lost a lot of money to similar scams in recent months. In order to trick victims into believing they are being investigated for crimes like financial fraud or money laundering, scammers frequently pose as government representatives, law enforcement personnel, or regulatory bodies.
These hackers trick victims into thinking that the only way to avoid jail or legal issues is to take immediate action, such as paying fines or penalties, by using phony audio or video communications. Senior adults, professionals, and well-educated people who might not be familiar with digital security procedures are among the victims of these frauds.
Being alert is essential as these frauds get more complex. Here are some crucial pointers for self-defense:
1. Confirm Claims: Do not freak out if you get a call or message from someone claiming to be from the government. Use official ways to get in touch with the agency directly to confirm the legitimacy.
2. Don’t Share Sensitive Information: Never give out personal information over the phone or other unreliable methods, such as bank account numbers, OTPs, or Aadhaar details. Such information is never requested by legitimate organizations.
3. Take a Moment to Think: Scammers frequently take advantage of urgency and anxiety. Before acting, take some time to rationally evaluate the circumstance.
4. Submit Suspicious Activity: If you think an interaction is a scam, try to videotape it and submit it to the cybercrime cell or local police station.
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