Report on 'Digital Arrest' inspires victim to file complaint
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sagolsem Bigyan

Imphal, December 05 2024: Following reports of the growing prevalence of financial cyber fraud, as featured in this daily, victims of 'Digital Arrest' have started to approach the Cyber Crime police station to file complaints.

Speaking to this daily, Cyber Crime Police Station SP Ningombam John urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the station.

"If anyone suspects a case of fraud, they should approach the nearest police station, the Cyber Crime Police Station, or call the cyber-crime helpline at 1930.It is important that we stay cautious and avoid falling victim to the schemes of cyber criminals," stressed the officer.

Reflecting on the coverage of cyber-crime in The People's Chronicle under the headline "Digital arrest scam reported in state, police caution public," SP John commended the daily for raising awareness about the emerging "Digital Arrest" scam.

He noted that the report has effectively informed the public about this new form of cyber-crime.

Following the publication, individuals who had previously believed themselves to be criminals, but were in fact victims of cyber fraud, have started approaching the Cyber Crime police station to register complaints.

"The news has impacted the public as intended," he said.

Reflecting on fresh complaints received at the Cyber Crime police station, the SP cited a particular incident registered in last week of November, wherein the complainant received a call from an unknown number, and accusing him of sending contraband items through a courier service to another country.

The caller then transferred the call to another person who claimed to be a police officer.

The 'officer' proceeded with a verification process and subsequently initiated a video call.

During the call, a person dressed in a police uniform appeared, claiming to be from an investigating agency conducting probe, the SP explained.

In addition to the police officer in uniform, the video call also pointed to the victim's name on the letterhead of the investigating agency, further impressing the victim that the situation was genuine and not a scam, SP Ningombam John said while adding that the caller accused the victim of involvement in major scams in India, instilling fear and anxiety.

Efforts were also made to extract the victim's bank details, instructed to comply with all demands and threatened with severe consequences if the information was shared with anyone.

The caller then pressured the victim to transfer all the money from the accounts till completion of the investigation.

The SP also mentioned that the Cyber Crime police station is now taking proactive steps to prevent such incidents by raising awareness and educating the public about the perils of cyber-crime.

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