Know about the Digital Arrest Scam!
If you are reading this blog, it means, at some point, you have heard about the word “Courier Scam” or “Digital Arrest Scam”. The news of digital scams and scammers is all over the internet nowadays. A Digital Arrest Scam is a tactic fraudsters perform to steal your hard-earned money by falsely charging you of illegal activities, that you haven’t performed. They first threaten you with accusations and consequences, and once they find you trapped in their mind game, they force you to pay money with a promise of freeing you from legal action. You face these scams through suspicious WhatsApp Calls, messages, and emails.
So, this article came into existence to educate you and to inform you how digital arrestors or scammers trick you. On the contrary, what can you do to save yourself and avoid being a victim? Stick with us till the end of this blog and be your own superhero!
How does the Fraudulent Trick of Digital Arrest Scam Work?
Firstly, the caller or fraudster disguises themselves as law enforcement officials- CBI agents, income tax officers or an agent.
Next, they give you a call to inform false allegations of illegal activity, like false parcel ownership(containing drugs), Phishing, Advance fee fraud, Money mules, Fake Charities, Personal Scams and more.
Then, they concede you to switch to a video call, where they have already prepared a setup to convince you and prove their legitimacy.
Once they feel you are under pressure of being arrested, they demand an unusual amount of money to free you from these allegations and clear out your name as a criminal.
How to Avoid Being Trapped in Digital Arrest Scam
Beware of suspicious Calls!
You already know it's a huge red flag when you encounter a call from an unknown number, especially a mobile number not from your country. If you receive a voice or video call from a number on WhatsApp that is entirely unknown to you, you should avoid the call.
In case you have already picked up a call that says that police have seized your parcel, the first thing to remember is that you should always know if any parcel is coming your way. If you have ordered something, or it’s your relative or friends sending you something, they would have informed you about it in the first place.
So, whenever someone from the unknown call mentions a parcel you have never heard of, the best thing to do is ignore the call.
Do not panic!
The first practical thing to do while encountering such a scam online is to stay calm and buy time to think about it thrice. We all have been through some panic situations during our lives where we have made impulse decisions and regretted them later. Hence, it is advisable to keep calm and think practically.
Save Yourself from “Feeling of Urgency”
Every fraudster plays a role in you, psychologically and emotionally. They create false urgency, such as “If you don't take action right now, you might lose so and so.” Yes. this is their master trick to trap you psychologically and then financially. If the person on the call is pressuring you because of the consequences you might face if you do not take immediate action, STOP RIGHT THERE!
Always remember that genuine law enforcement officers will never threaten or force you to take on-the-spot decisions. They also do not ask to transfer money using their given bank details or UPI.
Protect your asset- Your Data!
In this digital intangible world, your data is a very precious commodity. Protect it at any cost. Never share your personal information with any random callers you encounter. Plus, never share any sensitive information over video calls or through messages.
Follow Your Guts and Report the Crime!
If you strongly feel the other caller on the call is a fraud and harms you, then you should immediately consider reporting it to your nearby police station or cyber crime cell. And, believe us, you would be proud of yourself. You have not only saved yourself from being scammed but have also saved the future victims of these fraudsters.
You can also visit the Indian government portal of the Department of Telecommunication- Sanchar Saathi or Chakshu, and report the fraud numbers.
Keep Learning and Stay Informed!
Last but not least, Education has made everyone capable of using digital technologies and making their life convenient. But with time, being busy daily can make you miss important events worldwide. Similarly, constant learning and educating yourself will give you guards to protect yourself from such identity and financial harm.
What steps to take if you find yourself in a digital arrest trap?
What if so-called digital arrestors have already scammed you? Here are some basic steps you can take to prevent your further financial loss.
Freeze Your Bank Account
Like any other cyber fraud, the first smart thing to do is inform your bank service provider and ask them to freeze their account. It would help you prevent further financial loss.
Report the Crime
Immediately report this crime to the nearby cyber cell and file a complaint against them. You can also visit the national cybercrime website- cybercrime.gov.in, and report your crime with evidence.
For instant assistance, Dial 1930 to report cybercrime.
Collect Evidences!
Document the evidence, such as mobile number, call recording, what name they were using, the transaction details, bank details, or UPI address they provided to you.
Seek Professional Advice
Feel free to reach out to a lawyer and get professional advice from Chakshu and Sanchar Sathi against these digital arrest scammers.
Conclusion: Make Your Knowledge Your Guards!
As we all know, prevention is better than cure! Therefore, your knowledge and awareness will be your all-time saviour! Keeping yourself educated will not only save you from such online scams but also save others who are connected to you, like your family, friends and colleagues.
If these scammers are smart, our blog is here to make you even smarter. Keep reading our other blogs for exclusive information about finances, loans, scams, and prevention.
Till then, Educate yourself, Examine these scammers, and Escape from these potential digital arrests!
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