NPCI Issues Advisory on Digital Arrest Scam: What It Is and How to Stay Safe
In today’s digital world, we rely on gadgets for tasks like banking, online shopping, and payments. But with this increased use comes the risk of online fraud. A simple click on a malicious link or download can lead to serious consequences, with people losing large sums of money. To address the growing concern of online scams, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued an advisory about the rising “Digital Arrest scam.”
This scam tricks people into believing they are facing legal action or arrest for various reasons, often asking them to make urgent payments to avoid consequences. It’s important to be aware of these scams and learn how to protect yourself.
Here’s what the Digital Arrest Scam is and how you can stay safe from it.
What is a Digital Arrest Scam?
The Digital Arrest scam is a common form of online fraud where scammers trick people into thinking they are in legal trouble, leading to panic and financial loss. In this scam, fraudsters impersonate government officials, police officers, CBI agents, or tax authorities and claim that the victim has committed a serious crime, such as drug trafficking or tax evasion. They then tell the victim they have been “digitally arrested” and demand money to avoid legal action.
These scammers have access to personal information, including travel history, email addresses, phone numbers, and work details, which they use to create a convincing fake case. In many instances, the scam seems so realistic that people end up losing significant amounts of money. It’s essential to be aware of these tactics and know how to protect yourself from falling victim to such scams.
Common Tricks Used in Digital Arrest Scams
- Fake Calls: Scammers may call you pretending to be police, CBI, or other government officials, accusing you of serious crimes and threatening urgent legal action.
- Creating Fear and Urgency: They will try to scare you into acting quickly, claiming that you will face immediate arrest or legal consequences unless you pay.
- Personal Information Requests: The scammers may ask for sensitive personal details or demand large payments through UPI methods to avoid charges.
- Fake Video Calls: To make the scam seem more real, fraudsters may use fake video calls, wearing official uniforms and using altered voices.
How to Stay Safe from the Digital Arrest Scam
- Never Share Personal Information: Do not share any personal details or make payments to unknown callers, as no legitimate authority (including the police or government) will ever ask for money over the phone.
- Verify Information: Always double-check the claims made by the caller. Contact authorities directly to confirm whether the allegations are true or not.
- Identify the Caller: Pay attention to the caller’s identity and contact details. Stay calm and avoid acting impulsively, as scammers will try to pressure you with threats.
- Seek Help and Report: If you suspect you are being scammed, contact the National Cybercrime Helpline at 1930. Keep a record of all communications to help authorities track and take action against the scammers.
By staying aware and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams and save yourself from financial loss.