Watch Out for Cyber Scams Impersonating Police

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has raised an alarm regarding a spike in cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Collaborating with Microsoft, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has already taken action against over 1,000 Skype IDs associated with such fraudulent activities.

In a recent statement, the MHA cautioned the public against a sophisticated online scam staged by international syndicates. These criminals, masquerading as police personnel or representatives of agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), target individuals with false accusations of involvement in illegal activities or accidents. Subsequently, they demand payment to avoid legal consequences or secure the release of reportedly detained family members.

The way these fraudsters map out this course of action involves contacting victims and claiming that they have received or are about to receive a parcel containing illicit items such as drugs or fake passports. In some cases, they coerce victims into participating in simulated "digital arrests," where they are forced into appearing on video calls, lending an air of authenticity to the ruse. To support their credibility, these criminals operate from mock police stations and government offices, donning uniforms to deceive their targets.

Instances of individuals falling victim to these scams and losing significant sums of money have been reported across the country. The MHA emphasised that this form of organised cybercrime poses an unprecedented threat and is perpetrated by transnational criminal networks.

The I4C, established under the MHA's purview, serves as the focal point for combating cybercrime in India. Through its Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS), the I4C has intercepted and safeguarded over ₹600 crore from falling into the hands of online fraudsters. This online platform enables rapid reporting of financial cybercrimes, facilitating coordinated action among law enforcement agencies and financial institutions nationwide.

The MHA underscored its collaboration with various ministries, regulatory bodies like the RBI, and other stakeholders to counteract these fraudulent activities. Additionally, the I4C extends technical support and guidance to state and union territory police forces for identifying and investigating cybercrime cases.

To address this issue effectively, the I4C, in partnership with Microsoft, has initiated measures to block Skype IDs, SIM cards, mobile devices, and mule accounts used by cybercriminals. Furthermore, through its social media platform "Cyberdost," the I4C disseminates informational materials, including infographics and videos, to raise awareness and empower citizens to recognise and report cybercrimes promptly.

Given the delicate state of these scams, the MHA urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious calls or online activities to the designated cyber crime helpline (1930) or the official website (www.cybercrime.gov.in) for assistance and intervention. By fostering a culture of awareness and heedful reporting, individuals can play a critical role in safeguarding themselves and their communities against cyber threats.