Digital Arrest scam reported in state, police caution public
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sagolsem Bigyan

Imphal, December 02 2024: The alarming rise of digital arrest scam in the country, a cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money or extract personal information from unsuspecting individuals, has reached the state.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against this growing cyber fraud, which preys on fear, intimidation, and a lack of awareness about digital safety.

In this scam, fraudsters pose as officials from law enforcement agencies or government bodies, accusing victims of fabricated legal violations, such as involvement in money laundering or drug trafficking.

Using fake caller IDs, official-sounding documents, and intimidation tactics, the criminals manipulate their targets into divulging sensitive details or transferring money under duress.

The first case of this scam in the state was reported to the Cyber Crime Police Station, Imphal, on January 16 this year.

According to the complaint, the victim received a phone call purportedly from an official of a courier service, who informed him that a parcel addressed to him containing drugs had been intercepted by the police.

The caller referenced a specific police station purportedly handling the case.

Shortly after this initial call, the com plainant received a video call via Skype from a user ID named CID.

A man dressed in a police uniform interrogated the victim for over an hour, demanding personal details, including information about his family, job, and bank accounts.

The caller warned him against sharing the conversation with anyone and instructed him to remain at home, claiming he was under "digital arrest" .

Growing suspicious of the interaction, the complainant approached the Cyber Crime Police Station for assistance.

Police revealed that similar scams have been reported, involving callers impersonating officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) .

In these cases, victims are told their mobile numbers are linked to criminal cases or would be deactivated, and asked them to press a number to know the details.

When victims followed the scammers' instructions, they were coerced into disclosing personal information during lengthy video calls, where fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials.

These scammers often claim that their victims are under digital arrest or house arrest, forbidding them from leaving their homes or speaking to anyone about the calls.

After hours of harassment and intimidation, the fraudsters demand money to close the case, transferring the psychological burden of fabricated crimes onto their targets.

Some victims, fearing legal repercussions, have paid the demanded amounts, believing it would resolve the matter.

The perpetrators have targeted individuals across professions, including officers and professionals.

Although no arrests have been made in these cases, investigations are underway, said police.

Cyber Crime SP Ningombam John cautioned the public regarding the scam, informing that there is no provision in the law for digital or virtual arrests.

He cautioned that cybercriminals are continually devising new methods to defraud people, exploiting advancements in technology.

He emphasised that the digital arrest scam is one of the latest tactics used by fraudsters.

SP John highlighted other prevalent forms of cybercrime in the state, including impersonation on social media to solicit financial help and sextortion.

In sextortion cases, fraudsters posing in suggestive ways manipulate victims in video calls and later use the recordings to extort money.

In some extreme instances of digital arrest scams reported from other parts of the country, fraudsters have gone as far as coercing victims into undressing under the guise of verifying their physical appearance.

These interactions were recorded and later used to extort money from the victims.

Fortunately, no such cases have been reported in the state so far, the SP said.

The SP urged the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activities to the Cyber Crime Police Station.

Victims can lodge complaints either in person or by contacting the 24x7 helpline at 1930 .

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