What’s Digital Arrest Scam? Bhubaneswar DCP Spells Out Tactics Used By Cyber Frauds

Bhubaneswar: Cyber threat has compounded into a menace, thanks to development of an array of tech platforms. To check cyber crime and ensure that people do not fall victims to online frauds, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh shared an awareness video on social media on Tuesday.

DCP Singh requested the public to remain alert about a novel idea devised by the fraudsters called – ‘Digital Arrest’.

“This crime involves a phone call on which the caller tells the gullible victim about illegal objects found in a parcel. Apart from this, the callers tell the victims that a warrant has been issued,” he said.

A Skype link is sent in which a person posing as a police official, reveals that the victim is put under detention or arrested, the DCP said.

The victim is made to sit for hours under ‘Digital Arrest’ which sometimes continue for two days.

“Digital Arrest” has emerged as a major concern. It usually involves cyber fraudsters, who posing as law enforcing authorities, extort money from victims on video calls, said Singh.

“By claiming that the victims are put under arrest, cyber fraudsters collect information regarding the deposits in bank accounts, fixed deposits and other assets,” Singh added.

The miscreants then force victims to follow their instructions and transfer money, he said.

“People should remain alert and not entertain such callers. They should be reported to the police immediately,” the DCP added.