Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label Digital Arrest. Show all posts
Scam
Cyber Awareness Cyber Crime Digital Arrest India Internet Scam

Digital Arrest: How Even The Educated Become Victims

Digital Arrest: How Even The Educated Become Victims

One of the most alarming trends in recent times is the surge in digital arrest scams, particularly in India. These scams involve cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims. 

Cybersecurity threats are rapidly escalating in India, with digital arrest scams becoming a major issue. Even well-educated individuals are falling victim to these sophisticated schemes. 

Digital Arrest: A Scam

The concept of a digital arrest does not exist in law. These scams involve cybercriminals masquerading as law enforcement officials or government agencies like the State Police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and Narcotics Bureau. 

These scams often leverage official-sounding language and sometimes even use fake police or court documents to appear legitimate. Scammers sometimes use deepfake technology to create convincing video calls, making it even harder for victims to distinguish between a real and a fraudulent interaction.

Scammers may also send fake arrest warrants, legal notices, or official-looking documents via email or messaging apps. They accuse victims of severe crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, or cybercrime. 

Common claims include: "a phone number linked to your Aadhaar number is involved in sending abusive messages or making threatening calls," "a consignment with drugs addressed to you has been intercepted," or "your son has been found engaged in nefarious activity." They may even fabricate evidence to make their accusations more credible.

The Problem in India

India has seen a significant rise in digital arrest scams, affecting individuals across different strata of society. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many people are unaware of the nuances of cybercrime and can easily fall prey to such tactics. 

Factors contributing to the rise of these scams in India include:

  1. Increased Internet Penetration: With more people accessing the Internet, especially on mobile devices, the pool of potential victims has expanded significantly.
  2. Lack of Cyber Awareness: Despite the growth in internet usage, there is a significant gap in cyber awareness and education. Many individuals are not equipped with the knowledge to identify and respond to such scams.
  3. The sophistication of Scammers: Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced technologies and psychological tactics to manipulate victims.

The impact of digital arrest scams on victims can be severe. Apart from financial loss, victims often experience psychological distress and a loss of trust in digital platforms. Educated individuals, who might otherwise be cautious, can also fall victim to these scams, as the fear of legal repercussions can cloud judgment.

Read more »
Digital Arrest
Cyberattacks CyberCrime Cyberhackers Cyberscams. Cyber Fraud Cybersecurity Cyberthreats Digital Arrest

Cambodia-Based Cybercriminals Exploit Digital Arrest Scam on Indian Victims

 


Human traffickers, according to a report by India Today, are luring Indian citizens to Cambodia, offering them job opportunities, and then coercing them into committing thousands of dollars worth of online financial fraud and cyber crimes. A growing number of digital arrest frauds are being experienced in India, and the Home Ministry's Cyber Wing is identifying Singapore as one of the hotbeds of these scams, along with Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, as other geographic locations where these scams can take place. 

The IPDRs (Internet Protocol Detail Records) of the digital arrest fraudsters, which India Today discovered through an investigation of their IPDRs, have revealed that their location is Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Upon collecting the money from such scams, the money is then withdrawn from ATMs in Dubai and Vietnam, where it is then spent. A cybercriminal sitting in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam orders Indian SIM cards for their agents, who are located within those countries. 

It has been revealed that approximately 45,000 SIM cards have been sent to Cambodia and Myanmar as a result of the investigation. There was a few days delay before Indian agencies managed to deactivate the SIM cards. According to government data, approximately Rs 120.3 crore was lost by Indians to 'digital arrest fraud schemes' during the first quarter of 2024. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted this fraud during his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday (October 27), along with other scams that he claims to be dealing with. In the period from January 1 to April 30, this year, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal registered 0.74 million complaints. This is an increase from 1.5 million complaints recorded in 2023 when there were 1.5 million complaints logged. 

A report by the Indian Express reported that 0.96 million complaints were filed in 2022, a significant increase over the 0.45 million filed in 2021, a statistic that indicates a trend of continued growth. An article published in May by the Chief Executive of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C), Rajesh Kumar, detailed the losses caused by cybercrime during this period. Mr. Kumar was able to provide a lot of information. The speaker stated that Indian citizens have lost Rs 120.3 crore to digital arrest scams, Rs 1,420.48 crore to trading scams, Rs 222.58 crore to investment scams, and Rs 13.23 crore to romance scams over last four years. 

The scam usually starts with fraudsters notifying potential victims that their package contains items that have been alleged to be illegal. It is also possible that the victims may be contacted via video call by individuals impersonating law enforcement officials who will demand payments to resolve the matter. As soon as the victim answers the phone, they will have to stay connected visually in what fraudsters call a 'digital arrest' until they comply with all the demands that are made on them.  

According to the I4C's analysis of data for the period from January to April 2024, nearly 46 percent of cyber frauds reported in India are likely to originate from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, which is an estimated Rs 1,776 crore together for all types of frauds reported. A company founded by Akshat Khetan, the founder of AU Corporate Advisory & Legal Services, recently spoke about digital arrest frauds via the following quote: "These scams use fear tactics to intimidate individuals into compliance. Typically, they will pose as representatives from law enforcement or other government agencies to intimidate citizens into complying with their demands. 

The first step to protecting yourself against these deceptive practices is to make sure you have a thorough understanding of your basic legal rights: in the first place, no legitimate authority must demand immediate payments or personal information if your safety is threatened. A right to verify the identity of any official and to request properly documented information is a basic human right, not merely a formality.

As soon as the victims answer an unsolicited call, they hear that the caller has sent or will send packages that contain illegal goods, drugs, fake passports, or a combination of them. As an alternative, scammers may have called victims' friends and family and told them that the victim was involved in a crime that needs to be investigated. As soon as they monitored their victim's voicemail, they would go on to target them through a video call wearing uniforms, and pretending to be police officers, before demanding money to close their case. 

Indian authorities have uncovered extensive cybercriminal operations based in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, where scammers are exploiting Indian SIM cards for large-scale digital fraud. With over ₹2,140 crore siphoned off in the past ten months, scammers primarily operate from call centers in Chinese-owned casinos in Cambodia, deploying tactics like “digital arrest fraud” to manipulate victims. In response, Indian agencies are enhancing international collaboration and public awareness efforts to counter these sophisticated cross-border scams and safeguard citizens against evolving cyber threats.
Read more »
Senior Citizen Scam
₹6 Crore Scam 85-Year-Old Woman Cyber Fraud CyberCrime cybercriminals Digital Arrest Financial Fraud Hyderabad Fraud Senior Citizen Scam

Cybercriminals Place 85-Year-Old Woman Under 'Digital Arrest' in Hyderabad, Cheat Her of ₹5.9 Crore

 

Cybercriminals recently targeted an 85-year-old woman from the city, subjecting her to what can be described as a 'digital arrest' and extorting a staggering ₹5.9 crore from her. This elaborate scam involved convincing the elderly woman that her Aadhaar details were allegedly linked to serious money laundering cases involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. 

The fraudsters, posing as officials from the Mumbai Cybercrime Wing, manipulated the woman into believing that her bank accounts and fixed deposits were under investigation and needed immediate verification by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Under this false pretext, they coerced her into transferring significant sums of money into specific accounts that they claimed were set up by the RBI for verification purposes.

When the woman attempted to contact her son for advice, the criminals threatened her, insisting that the matter was of utmost confidentiality. They warned that any attempt to inform her family would lead to severe consequences, including potential legal trouble for her son and the entire family. 

The incident came to light when her son, a software professional based in Bengaluru, visited her after about a week. He noticed her distress and learned of the fraudulent activities. Realizing his mother was in a state of psychological manipulation and fear, he immediately contacted the Telarigarra Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) to report the crime.

Fearful for her family's safety, the woman complied with their demands, transferring large sums into various accounts. It was only when her son arrived and intervened that the ongoing fraud was halted. He quickly reassured his mother, explaining that she had been deceived, and together, they reported the incident to the authorities. The police are now investigating the case, and efforts are underway to trace the criminals responsible for this heinous act.
Read more »
RBI
Banking scam Cyber Crime Digital Arrest Police Scam RBI

Don’t Be a Victim: How to Avoid Digital House Arrest

Don’t Be a Victim: How to Avoid Digital House Arrest

Criminals are using a new "Digital House Arrest" method to target individuals. Scammers contact victims and compel them to stay home by pretending to be law enforcement officials such as police officers, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) agents, or customs officials. 

They then exploit the victim's bank accounts. Numerous cases of this fraudulent conduct have recently emerged.

According to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study, India experienced bank frauds totaling more than Rs 30,000 crore in FY23. Over the last decade, Indian banks have reported 65,017 fraud instances, resulting in a total loss of Rs 4.69 trillion. 

To deceive naive people, cybercriminals use a variety of strategies, such as UPI, credit card, OTP, job, and delivery scams. Digital house arrest is a new popular scamming strategy.

About digital arrest

Digital house arrest occurs when cybercriminals trap victims in their homes to trick them. Perpetrators instill terror by making calls, frequently impersonating law enforcement officers via AI-generated voice or video calls.

They fraudulently accuse victims of misconduct involving their Aadhaar or phone number, creating a sense of imminent arrest and pushing them to send money.

Hackers usually contact victims and claim they shipped or received boxes carrying illegal substances such as narcotics or false passports. They may even fraudulently alert the target's relatives or acquaintances about their involvement in a crime, instilling a sense of urgency.

Criminals pose as law enforcement officers, and demand money from victims as compensation for covering the case. Victims are pressured to remain visible on video conferencing services until their requests are granted.

Forcing potential victims

Hackers use strategies such as setting up fake police stations or government offices and dressing in uniforms mimicking those of law enforcement authorities.

Uttar Pradesh Police launched an investigation into the first recorded case of 'digital arrest' in December of last year after receiving a complaint from a Noida resident.

The victim fell victim to the fraud, losing more than Rs 11 lakh and facing a day-long 'digital arrest'. Perpetrators posed as police officers, impersonating an IPS officer from the CBI and the founder of a bankrupt airline, and implicated the victim in a manufactured money-laundering case.

Government's response to frauds

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are collaborating to combat the influx of spoof calls coming from abroad. These callers falsely claim to be from law enforcement authorities such as the Narcotics Control Bureau or the Central Bureau of Investigation, among others, and claim 'digital arrests'.

In addition, I4C has partnered with Microsoft to fight the abuse of law enforcement emblems. These logos are regularly used by scammers abroad to take money from Indian nationals.

To raise awareness, I4C has released infographics and videos on its social media platform Cyberdost and its X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram pages. The Ministry has asked citizens to remain vigilant and raise awareness about cybercrime.

How to stay safe?

If you get a similar call or message, contact the authorities. The government of India has launched the Chakshu portal on the Sanchar Saathi website to combat cyber and online fraud. Individuals can also report similar incidents using the cybercrime helpline 1930 or online http://www.cybercrime.gov.in.


Read more »
MHA
CBI Cyber Crime Digital Arrest Fraud Calls Law Enforcement MHA

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.


Read more »
Money Scam
Cyber Crime Cyber Extortion Cyberfraud Digital Arrest Money Scam

Digital Arrest Scam: Woman Doctor Duped for 40 Lakhs, Loses Her Entire Savings

Digital Arrest Scam

In today’s digital world, our lives are interconnected through the internet. From shopping on the web and managing finances to connecting with our loved ones, everything is done online these days. 

But the comfort also comes with some risks. 

Professor scammed with Rs 40 Lakhs 

In a recent online scam, a government medical university professor fell victim to a “digital arrest” scam and was tricked into paying a heavy amount of Rs 40 lakhs. The scam technique is called “digital arrest” where a scammer fools the victim under the disguise of law enforcement agencies. 

“An arrest warrant has been issued in your name. All your financial accounts will be frozen and they will be investigated. Till then you are put under ‘digital arrest’. After that they called me on Skype and showed me many documents which included my phone number, Aadhaar number, and which also included my arrest warrant,” she said.

The Attack: What happened?

On March 11, the professor received a call purportedly from Maharashtra. The caller alleged that a phone number issued under her ID in July 2023 was involved in illegal activities, including text message scams, phishing, and money laundering.

The call was then transferred to another individual claiming to be from the Maharashtra police headquarters. This person accused her of opening a fraudulent account in Canara Bank, Mumbai, leading to money laundering activities. The caller even spoke about an arrest warrant issued in her name.

The scammer threatened her, stating that all her financial cards, PAN, and Aadhaar had been blocked. They claimed she was under ‘digital arrest’.

To add to her distress, the scammers showed her documents via Skype, including her phone number, Aadhaar number, and the alleged arrest warrant.

The professor was coerced into transferring a staggering amount of Rs 31.31 lakh on March 11, followed by Rs 9 lakh from another account the next day.

The scammers instructed her to maintain constant communication, provide personal information, and refrain from contacting anyone else, citing national security concerns and the purported involvement of police and bank officials in the scam.

Realizing she had fallen victim to cyber fraud, she promptly reported the incident to the cybercrime police station and filed a formal complaint.

Impact of the attack

According to police, “A staggering amount of Rs 31.31 lakh was transferred by her on March 11, followed by Rs 9 lakh from another account the next day.” 

The stolen money was the professor’s entire savings, which she had kept for her kids’ studies and her future.

Triveni Singh, a former SP in the Cyber Cell and a cyber expert said that no reputable agency will request a Skype chat for reasons of investigation or arrest. There's nothing like a 'digital arrest'.


Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)