5 ways to stay away from digital scammers

Digital Scammers: Internet users and law enforcement organizations are very concerned about the alarming increase in digital arrest fraud in India. These con artists take advantage of people’s fear by extorting money. Also stealing personal information with clever strategies and cutting-edge technology. Let’s now examine these frauds and offer advice on how to stay safe in the quickly changing digital world of today.

How is a digital arrest used to defraud people, and what is it?

Criminals utilize digital arrest schemes to fraudulently accuse people of financial crimes by posing as law enforcement officials. In this, they act as representatives of the Enforcement Directorate, the Reserve Bank of India, or even the Central Bureau of Investigation. Scammers typically use phone conversations or video conferences to start communication in these situations, stating the victim is being investigated for a severe crime that could result in a lengthy jail sentence. Money laundering, tax evasion, tax theft, and income tax notices are among the frequently made accusations.

To escape fictitious legal repercussions, they then coerce their victim into sending money to particular bank accounts. For the first quarter of 2024, victims in India lost around ₹120.30 crore as a result of these scams. According to a thorough analysis by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre. This makes it abundantly evident that this issue needs to be addressed.

Additionally, according to a Reuters investigation, cyber fraud cases in India more than quadrupled in FY24. This has resulted in losses of almost $20 million. Low levels of cyber literacy put users at higher risk as a result of the growing usage of digital platforms and smooth transactions.

Regular Patterns Used by the Scammers:

Scammers’ strategies are constantly changing and influenced by technology. In this there are three patterns which mainly these scammers follow regularly.

False assertions of authority and power: Using spoof numbers, disguised documents, phony identity cards, etc., scammers pretend to be government officials.
Threat of arrest and immediate legal repercussions: Coercive tactics are used to coerce victims into complying with demands for immediate action and arrest.
Segregation and isolation techniques: To instill a sense of urgency and prevent victims from pursuing appropriate legal redress or even assistance from friends, they are frequently kept occupied on video calls.

By these patterns, the scammers tend to intimidate and fear victims by manipulating and blackmailing them personally. Because of this the scammers believe them blindly and follow them.

5 ways to stay away from digital scammers

1. Keep your cool and be aware of the circumstances: You should never lose your cool. Instead of responding in a panic if you receive a threatening call, take a moment to comprehend the circumstances.

2. Never divulge private information: Even when under duress, never divulge private information like your bank statement, credit card number, OTP, CVV, etc.

3. Verify the caller’s information: If someone claims to be from police enforcement, you should always make sure they are who they say they are. If in doubt, double-check by contacting authorities and using official contact numbers.

4. Report suspicious activity and behavior straight away: Notify the local police station and cyber authorities right away if you come across a possible scam or suspect something is amiss.